Utica Community Schools

K-12 Building Configurations

How will grade configurations be changed?

Currently, Utica High School, Eisenhower High School and Stevenson High Schools and its feeder schools have grade configurations of K-6 at the elementary school level, 7-9 at junior high school, and 10 through 12 at the high school level. Henry Ford II High School and its feeder schools have a grade configuration of K-6 at elementary schools, 7 through 8 at junior high school and 9-12 for high school. 

Effective in fall of 2027, all UCS schools will have grade configurations of K-5 at elementary schools; 6-8 at the middle school levels and 9-12 at high schools.

How will the change benefit students?

The grade levels will improve consistency between grade levels, expand access to rigorous coursework and extracurricular activities for sixth and ninth-grade students, strengthen adolescent engagement and create a more efficient use of district facilities.

The reconfiguration aligns UCS with the predominant state and national model while advancing the district’s broader commitment to high quality, developmentally responsive and rigorous learning environments.

Why is the change being made at this time?

The current school configurations in UCS were driven by how facilities could best meet student enrollment when our district had its highest rate of enrollment decades ago. 

With changes in enrollment and the ongoing facility improvement program, UCS is able to consider grade configurations that are focused more on supporting student achievement and needs.

What is the timeline and process that will be used?

The district will be supported by Hanover Research, which also served as a resource for the development of the UCS Empowered Strategic Plan.

UCS will work through teams to study all aspects of the transition, including student programming, the establishment of a UCS middle school model and student supports. Updates will continue to be provided on our district website. The new building configurations will take effect in the fall of 2027.

How will the district support students through the transition?

Utica Community Schools is committed to meeting the needs of the whole child. Through the Culture of Caring in our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan, resources are made available to support the safety and security, social, emotional and nutritional needs of students. This includes the creation of a middle school model where sixth-grade students will work with specific teacher teams to support the transition. In addition, parents and students will be supported through pre-transition orientation, advisory programs, and peer/family engagement systems. 

How would a change impact facilities and class sizes?

The capacity levels of schools have been and will continue to be reviewed for all levels taking the grade configuration change into account. The process includes recent and projected student population declines and their impact on future enrollment at each school. 

For our high schools, the additional grade will mean a return to the enrollment that they had about 15 years ago prior to the declines in student enrollment. Historically, total UCS high school enrollment was at or above 2,100 students or 1,600 at Utica High School.

At the junior high level, all schools would maintain a similar enrollment with the exception of Bemis Junior High, which will need additional classroom space to accommodate a new grade level.

Several strategies will be used to manage building size, including Schools of Choice and inter-district transfer procedures. The district’s procedure will continue to give preference for families with younger siblings. 

Class sizes would not change. Sixth and ninth-grade teachers will follow students during the transition.

How can I get more information or ask questions?

You may contact your building administrator or email UCS@uticak12.org