The Importance of Options

One of our challenges in public schools is providing an excellent education for thousands of students who have unique backgrounds and abilities. To meet that challenge, we provide a huge assortment of classes taught by dedicated teachers who help us identify students in need of more support, as well as those in need of new and interesting challenges. We also offer some special programs you may not be aware of.

 Our traditional path provides the vast majority of students with enough variety and support, so they can meet the California state academic standards as well as explore their passions. In secondary school, we offer instruction in several levels of academic core classes as well as electives spanning everything from art and music to wood shop and automotive, from animal husbandry to emergency first responder classes.

 Dual-Language Immersion Program

We also offer less traditional paths. Beginning with the elementary level, students can participate in the Dual-Language Immersion Program at Grace Hudson Elementary School. There, we have teachers from the U.S. as well as from Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and Spain. Principal Kara Blanco, said, “Our students see us all communicating and learning from one another, and that becomes a model for them.” Students who complete the dual-immersion program can continue their language studies through Pomolita Middle School and Ukiah High School, becoming fluent in English and Spanish by the time they graduate, and potentially earning the California State Seal of Biliteracy for high school students. 

 science, technology, engineering, mathematics (stem) magnet school

For students who love science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), beginning with middle school, they can select a STEM curriculum. Both Pomolita Middle School and Eagle Peak Middle School offer these classes, but Eagle Peak has taken the additional step of becoming a STEM magnet school. At Eagle Peak, teachers incorporate science, technology, engineering and mathematics into core classes and electives, and offer students a more hands-on, project-based approach to learning.

 independent study

Sometimes students prefer to learn in a non-classroom environment supported by their families. These students can register in the Ukiah Independent Study Academy (UISA). At the elementary level, UISA works with parents, students, teachers, and the community to provide a flexible, home-based option for their public education. At the secondary level, UISA provides students with an alternative education that meets college and career readiness. Developed collaboratively with students and parents, our individualized learning plans build on students’ unique strengths, talents, and abilities, while satisfying Ukiah Unified School District’s courses of study and the state standards.

 middle college program

Our newest non-traditional offering is the Ukiah High School Middle College Program. For the 2018-19 school year, the Middle College Program will accept a limited number of high school sophomores who will attend all their classes on the Mendocino College campus, taking core classes with their high school classmates to pursue their diplomas, as well as taking college courses to earn college credits. As the first cohort of sophomores goes through the program, the program will eventually include sophomores, juniors and seniors. The program is designed for students who are the first in their families to attend college, who belong to groups who are underrepresented on university campuses, or who would prefer a small classroom environment.

 Regardless of whether your student goes the traditional route or not, Ukiah Unified is dedicated to meeting your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs.