From Deseret News archives:

New high school will be big on sciences

Published: Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 10:44 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
OREM — Some high school students just aren't into sports, or drama, or pep band. What gets their adrenaline pumping is solving complex equations, exploring the microscopic world of cells or estimating the G-force of their favorite roller coasters.

In Utah County, those students will soon have a high school tailor-made for their needs. The Utah County Academy of Sciences is an early college high school that emphasizes mathematics, engineering and the sciences and will provide students with the opportunity to do college-level work in those subjects while attending high school.

The school, which will open for classes next fall, will enroll approximately 100 students per grade, and the curriculum will be largely composed of math, engineering and science classes taught at nearby Utah Valley State College.

UCAS is a public charter school, created in partnership with UVSC and the Alpine, Provo and Nebo school districts as one of six New Century High Schools authorized by the Utah State Legislature. Former Gov. Mike Leavitt and current Gov. Olene Walker urged the creation of these smaller high schools that work with colleges and universities to encourage math, science and engineering.

Story continues below
"What (the school districts) wanted was an option for some kids that felt like they needed a smaller school, and they're not interested in the athletics, the band, the drama, and they want to get started on their college credits at an early age," said Carl Nielson, UCAS director of economic development and former Nebo School District Superintendant. "If they're willing to work hard, if they're motivated, if they have that desire to progress, then this would be the situation for them."

Students attending UCAS will pay fees similar to those charged in other area public high schools. Athletic, music and drama programs will not be offered by UCAS, but the school will attempt to accommodate participation in certain activities at the students' home high schools. UCAS will have clubs and student body officers, who will plan school activities and dances.

Nielson said the school cannot meet its main objectives and at the same time offer all the programs regular high schools do. "We think if they want to do sports, they're better off in a 4A or 5A high school anyway, where they can really have the competition," Nielson said.

The school is receiving $500,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which will mostly cover start-up costs, for its first year of operation. Afterward, the state will take over funding, paying students' tuition at UVSC. The school will be located in a building owned by UVSC — formerly Vineyard Elementary — which UCAS is leasing from the school.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Clark Baron is principal of Utah County Academy of Sciences, which opens for classes next fall. It will enroll about 100 students per grade.

previousnext

Latest comments

RSL's Rimando makes 3

So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!

mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...

RSL heads to MLS title game

Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...

I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...

RSL heads to MLS title game

financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...

This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...

RSL heads to MLS title game

I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...

BYU happy to escape with victory

What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...

Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...

This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...

Advertisements
Advertisement