Education system and best schools in Utah: High graduation rates. Strong STEM programs. Dual Language Immersion. Charter school options. Top rated: Skyline High School. Recognized Blue Ribbon schools. High ACT scores. Dual enrollment opportunities. Support for special education. Extensive extracurricular activities.
High graduation rates
Utah's high school graduation rate has impressively reached 88.8% in 2024, marking a 0.52% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth is fueled by the dedication of educators, students, and families, which has positioned Utah's rate among the highest in the nation, surpassing the national average of 87%. To explore more about this achievement and the efforts behind it, visit the Utah Educators Association.
Strong STEM programs
The Utah County Academy of Sciences (UCAS) is renowned as the top public high school in Utah for STEM education, offering a STEM-centric curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a highly motivated student body, preparing students for future careers in STEM fields. UCAS is recognized for its unparalleled STEM achievements and commitment to the local community in Provo and Utah County.
Dual Language Immersion
Utah's Dual Language Immersion program, initiated in 2008, provides students with proficiency in a second language, such as Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, or German, by immersing them in the target language for half of the school day and in English for the other half. The program spans from K-12 and includes university-level coursework in high school. It has shown significant benefits, including increased performance on standardized tests, fluency in the target language, and enhanced cultural awareness. For more information on this innovative educational initiative, visit the Utah Dual Language Immersion page.
Charter school options
Charter schools in Utah are tuition-free public schools, governed by independent boards and authorized by entities such as the Utah State Charter School Board, local school boards, or higher education institutions. They offer innovative educational approaches and are accountable to public standards. These schools include top-ranked institutions like Utah County Academy Of Science, No. Ut. Acad. For Math Engineering & Science, and Success Suu.
Top rated: Skyline High School
Skyline High School is Utah's top-ranked traditional high school, known for its academic excellence, with a 96% graduation rate, a significant number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam, and a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Despite its aging infrastructure, the school's culture and academic programs, including high enrollment in AP classes and a successful IB program, set it apart and attract students from across the district. More information about Skyline High School can be found on the Deseret News website.
Recognized Blue Ribbon schools
In 2023, two Utah schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools: Milford Elementary School in the Beaver County School District and Wasatch Elementary School in the Salt Lake City School District, honored for their exemplary academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. These schools demonstrate high standards, innovative teaching, and strong community involvement, serving as models for effective school practices nationwide. For more details on this achievement, visit the Utah Policy website.
High ACT scores
Utah's top high schools for ACT scores showcase impressive performances, with InTech Collegiate High School leading with an average composite score of 24.9. Other notable schools, such as Utah County Academy of Science and Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science, have also surpassed the national 75th-percentile benchmark. The state's commitment to academic excellence is evident, as Utah's Class of 2022 achieved a mean composite ACT score of 19.9, with 91% of juniors participating in the testing. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Top Utah High Schools by ACT Scores 2023 on Piqosity's website.
Dual enrollment opportunities
In Utah, Dual Enrollment allows students to be simultaneously enrolled in a public school and a home school or private school, enabling them to participate in academic activities in the public school while maintaining their home school or private school status. This program is governed by Utah Code 53G-6-702, which outlines the rules and requirements for dual enrollment, including the necessity for students to be enrolled more than half-time in the home school or private school. For more information about the program, visit the Canyons School District website.
Support for special education
A proposed bill in Utah aims to integrate special education students into general education classrooms through a grant-based pilot program. This initiative is designed to ensure that trained special education teachers work alongside general education teachers, creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with disabilities. For further details on the bill and its implications, you can visit the Special Education Utah Bill article. This collaborative approach highlights the commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all students, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
Extensive extracurricular activities
Utah's education system, particularly through the Utah Fits All Scholarship, supports extensive extracurricular activities, encompassing private school programs, educational software, hardware, and after-school activities such as swim lessons, gymnastics, and musical programs. The scholarship, highlighted on the KSL News Radio website, underscores the commitment to prioritize families below 200% of the federal poverty line, ensuring broader access to diverse educational opportunities for children across the state.