Utica Community Schools is a growing district with a commitment to offering students education options they couldn’t find elsewhere in southeast Michigan.
Students at Utica schools can choose to learn in a classic school environment or in a specialty center focused on an interest in subjects like math, science and engineering.
This story was updated on Nov. 14, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. She added writer Amanda Rahn’s reports on the latest news for Utica Community Schools. Questions? Email katina@metroparent.com.
Here’s a breakdown on everything parents should know about UCS
1. Overview of Utica Community Schools
- Phone number: 586-797-1000
- Number of schools: 35
- Number of students: 25,528
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 23:1
- PPE: $14,553
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: Utica Community Schools is known for its student achievement. Their students consistently score above state averages. Students in this school district have access to a diverse selection of clubs, sports and specialty programs. Plus, the school district’s graduation rates are among the best in all of southeast Michigan.
2. Historic upgrades to facilities
Utica Community School began the largest and most transformative facility improvement project in the history of the district over the summer. The bond, totaling $550 million, marks a major investment in the repair and upkeep of the district’s buildings.
The reconstruction of DeKeyser Elementary is at the top of the list and will serve as a blueprint for other district redesigns.
Other upcoming changes include new turf fields at the high schools, furniture upgrades, modernization of cafeteria spaces, better plumbing and more.
Each school has a detailed list of improvements and timelines for the updates. Interested parents can find more information from the district here.
3. Safety improvements to schools
A major aspect of the historic bond and its impact will be focused on improving safety for students and staff.
Some of the changes include enhancing door handles and impact and shatterproof glass at the high schools, extra security at entrance and exit points, upgraded security cameras and more.
Another concern from community stakeholders and school leadership is the open layout design of some district buildings, especially in cases where classrooms are unable to be completely locked. Those outdated designs will be changed as part of the facility upgrades, reports C & G News.
4. District introduces wellness fair
Utica Community Schools launched a new Wellness Fair last month focused on improving the community’s mental and physical wellbeing.
The free event featured more than 35 community resource vendors as well as a Kids Zone and speakers warning of the dangers of nicotine and vaping. Another presentation topic was how to focus in a digital world.
The fair will now be held annually–next year’s UCS Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
5. New Health and Human Services Academy for students
Utica Community Schools introduced a new academy to prepare students for a role in the health and human services industry.
The Academy is housed at Utica High School and instructs students on core subjects like English, social studies, math and science courses that align with state academic guides but are delivered through a medical lens.
Instruction also focuses on three career pathways: rehabilitation services, public safety and therapeutic services.
Alongside the comprehensive health instruction, the program offers students a medical career expo in their sophomore year, a medical career-related job shadowing during their junior year and an extended internship during their senior year, says the district.
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