University Schools
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To ignite a passion for Jesus in students through experiences in worship, academics, missions, leadership and adventure.
- Income
- $3.1 million
- Spending
- $2.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 56%
- Reserves
- 4.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 49%
- Employees
- 75
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 11% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 78% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1556% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $1.3 million spent. Academic Program: Our first priority is to help young people, K4-12th grades, grow in the Christian faith. To accomplish this goal, we partner with our parents in the education process. Parents and students follow teacher provided lesson plans for Monday and Friday at home days. Tuesday through Thursday are at school days. Our elementary program for K4-5th focuses on the core academics. We offer a full course of study including Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Language Arts, and Fine Arts. The secondary program consists of Junior High (6th-8th grade) and High School (9th-12th grade). In addition to the core academics, these students take Foreign Language, Computer Science, Adventure, and electives. We offer dual credit and online learning opportunities through online partner schools. USCO also offers honors.
- $13,186 spent. Adventure Program: The Adventure Program is designed to teach students multiple outdoor disciplines and leadership skills that can be carried throughout life. Our vision is to cultivate lifelong servant leaders,united as a team to become more like Christ and strive to build skills that empower students to live adventurously in Gods creation. Along with classroom lectures, students spend ample time outdoors putting their skills to practice both locally and out of state. We teach canyoneering, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking, sailing and wilderness medicine.
- $3,412 spent. Theater Program: The theater program trains students to use talents in acting and singing to build confidence and performance experience. Students are encouraged to use their God-given gifts to bless audiences. The skills they learn equip them to communicate effectively and confidently. They also learn all aspects of theater production: auditions, singing, dancing, acting, set design and creation, technical skills, strong work ethics, and public performance. This variety of experiences prepare students to advance into post-High School endeavors.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2008.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.