Scholarship Prep Upland: Building a Culture of Choice and Connection

As Scholarship Prep’s first campus in San Bernardino County, our Upland location is already making an incredible impact by empowering families with choice. Principal Chantel Van Pool shared that one of the most meaningful parts of opening the new campus has been helping families understand they have options in public education.

“We’re teaching our community that they can choose the best opportunity for their Scholars,” she said. “It’s about giving families a voice in choice.”

From day one, the Upland team has embodied Scholarship Prep’s mission by embracing each child as an individual. “Our staff is a true embodiment of leading with love,” Van Pool explained. “We’re creating a culture where every student feels welcomed, loved, and seen.” From mastering the correct pronunciation of students’ names to ensuring every Scholar has positive peer connections, the team’s efforts have built an environment rooted in respect and belonging.

And the results are already visible.

“The number one thing we hear from families is, ‘My child went from hating school to waking up early to get to school,’” Van Pool shared.

Families say their children feel known, supported, and excited to learn; a reflection of the staff’s thoughtful approach to both academics and social-emotional growth.