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GreatSchools Rating

Utah County Academy of Science (Ucas)

Charter | 10-12 | 389 students

We are best known for small size and high academics.
 
 
 

Living in Orem

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $165,600. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $680.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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The Principal's point of view

Avatar

Clark Baron, May 3, 2013

This has been a great year with 91 of our Seniors earning their Associates Degree from UVU. Our high school graduation is coming fast. At this point in time, out Seniors have been offered $1.8 million in scholarships with the majority of students continuing at UVU with others at BYU, USU, Univerisity of Utah and Westminster in state. Our next year's students look great! We appreciate our partnership with Utah Valley University!

8 reviews of this school


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Posted June 20, 2011

UCAS has the best teachers in the state. As far as I know, all of them have masters degrees. Most of the students take many classes from UVU, especially in their junior and senior years. The counselors help select UVU courses and plan your high school years so that you can earn an associates degree and the New Century Scholarship. UVU is in fact easier than UCAS in many areas; this just shows the excellence of the school and the ability to challenge the students. The students and social life won't be the best experience. Unfortunately many of the students suffer from some sort of social awkwardness. This seems to be improving over the years. On the plus side, bullying at the school is virtually non-existent, same with drugs and alcohol. Students are hardly as judgmental as they can be at other schools. However, this school is completely different from any other high school experience you can find in Utah. It will be challenging, and the teachers demand excellence. Your GPA will go down. The councilors, though they can't demand, will highly recommend NOT attending the school if your grades at your previous school aren't up to snuff. The best experience in Utah tailored to you.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 10, 2010

UCAS is a great way for High School students that are looking to get ahead in life have an early college experience that will teach them worth ethics and study habits which will help them to rise to the top of any situation in their futures. UCAS helps build a student's confidence that anything is possible and (with hard work) probable.


Posted October 9, 2010

This is an early college highschool that fullfills it charter well. The students and their education are the focus not sports,
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted January 30, 2009

UCAS is a great school with great opportunities to get college credit along with high school credit. Many of the courses offered are concurrent enrollment and with its location on UVU campus, many students are able to get their Associate's when they graduate from high school. My son likes the closeness the students have at the school and how the teachers are willing to go the extra mile to help him succeed. It's great for those who want to focus on academia and less on extracurricular activities. A warning however, if your child is not ready to perform at college level at an early age, this school probably won't be a good match.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2009

My daughter is a sophomore at UCAS, and I couldn't be happier with the level of education she is receiving there. She enjoys taking college math classes at UVU. She also likes the small school atmosphere. Almost everyone there is willing and ready to learn. Everyone is really friendly, and the faculty and counselors are super helpful, unlike at a big school where they don't even know your student's name half the time. The hall is a little crowded in between classes, but that's about all she doesn't like about UCAS. As a parent, I feel confident that she is getting a great education from some of the best teachers around.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 28, 2009

I am a student at UCAS. The learning and academics are great, and the atmosphere is very comfortable. The classes are challenging, and I learn a lot. The only problems I have with this school is that there is no music programs, and not that many options for extra-curricular activities. The learning is above average, but if you like music, and are more introverted, I recommend a public high school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 27, 2008

UCAS is an inventive Early Colleg High School located on the Utah Valley University campus. UCAS has provided my 2 children with many academic opportunities. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable, take extra time with the students and enjoy their subject. My children have also enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of attending college classes on the Utah Valley University campus. Both of my children will earn their A.S. degree at the same time that they graduate from UCAS. I couldn't be happier with the education that my children have received at UCAS!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2008

What a great opportunity this school is! My son is a sophomore this year at UCAS and is really enjoyng it. He has blossomed. He is a class officer he has made great friends and has done well in school. Even though he struggled early in math his teacher has worked with him, stayed after school to tutor him... with excellent results. With the opportunity that UCAS presents as an 'early college' high school, for my son to get his high school diploma and his Associates Degree at the same time, what can I say.... It's great! thanks UCAS
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Language Arts

The state average for Language Arts was 86% in 2010.

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Utah used the Utah Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 1 through 11 in language arts, in grades 1 through 7 in math, in grades 4 through 9 in science and upon completion of certain courses in grades 8 through 11. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The CRT is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Utah. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Utah's state standards

Source: Utah Department of Education

Language Arts

The state average for Language Arts was 84% in 2010.

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
98%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Utah used the Utah Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 1 through 11 in language arts, in grades 1 through 7 in math, in grades 4 through 9 in science and upon completion of certain courses in grades 8 through 11. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The CRT is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Utah. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Utah's state standards

Source: Utah Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 56% in 2010.

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 40% in 2010.

2010

 
 
58%
Biology

The state average for Biology was 72% in 2010.

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Chemistry

The state average for Chemistry was 54% in 2010.

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Earth Science

The state average for Earth Science was 69% in 2010.

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 60% in 2010.

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
100%
Physics

The state average for Physics was 67% in 2010.

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
67%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Utah used the Utah Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 1 through 11 in language arts, in grades 1 through 7 in math, in grades 4 through 9 in science and upon completion of certain courses in grades 8 through 11. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The CRT is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Utah. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Utah's state standards

Source: Utah Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 83% 78%
Hispanic 7% 15%
Asian 5% 2%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Black 1% 1%
Two or more races 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 24%N/A38%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

College readiness and student pathways

Percentage of students going to 2-year college 1% (2013)
Percentage of students going to 4-year college 96% (2013)
Percentage of students going to vocational programs 2% (2013)
Percentage of students going directly into the workforce 1% (2013)
Colleges most students attend after graduation Utah Valley University
Brigham Young University
University of Utah
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 24N/A26
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
Reading specialist(s)
Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Utah Public Charter School of the Year (2009)
  • Highest Literacy Scores of Utah public schools (2012)
  • Highest Science Scores of Utah public schools (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Computer programming
  • Engineering
Clubs
  • Science club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Poetry
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 9:00 am
School end time
  • 4:00 pm
School Leader's name
  • Clark Baron
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (801) 225-2214

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Computer programming
  • Engineering

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Free Daily Tutoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Special price for public buses
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • None
Girls sports
  • None

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Choir
  • Foreign language club: spanish
  • National Honor Society
  • Science club
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
More from this school
  • We are an Early College High School located on the UVU campus. Successful students must be academically prepared, highly motivated, very mature, and not afraid of hard work. 80% to 90% of graduates have an associates degree before high school graduation.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

Submit your application by

February 15, 2013

 
 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


5 out of 10students were accepted for the 2013-2014 school year.


Students accepted for the 2013-2014 school year
160
Applications received for the 2013-2014 school year
306

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Utah Valley University
Brigham Young University
University of Utah
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
Community college courses
SAT/ACT prep classes
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Students' post-graduation plans in 2013
2 year college - 1%
4 year college - 96%
Vocational - 2%
Workforce - 1%
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

940 West 800 South
Orem, UT 84058
Website: Click here
Phone: (801) 863-2222

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