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.
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. Athletics
Sports at Utica Community Schools are offered at both the junior high and high school level and are a celebrated part of student life. Sports offered include dance, swim and dive, baseball, football, soccer, wrestling and more.
High school athletics are part of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) as well.
3. Specialty Programs
Utica Community Schools offers students options when it comes to their education.
The district offers the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies (one of four International Baccalaureate World Schools in the state) and one of the top scoring schools in the state. All teachers hold a Masters, Specialist or Ph.D. degree and have been extensively trained in brain/mind research in conjunction with the Caine Learning Institute of Idyllwild, California. More than 99 percent of students attend college after graduating.
There’s also the option to study at one of the district’s specialty centers for math, science, technology, health and human services and more.
4. CTE
Top notch Career and Technical Education offerings are a priority for the district in order to dually prepare students for college and a career. Students can take classes in courses like woodworking, welding or medical health sciences and earn college credit through Macomb Community College, Davenport University and Baker College.
Career information centers are located in all four high schools.
5. Pathways to Success
To keep parents and students informed of the many programs and benefits of being a UCS student, the district holds information sessions as part of its Pathways to Success initiative.
Pathways to Success offers informative meetings for more than 30 topics related to life as a student at their schools, including athletics, the art department, theater programs, specialty programs and world languages.
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