Two UCS schools named among nation's most academically challenging

For the second straight year, two Utica Community Schools high schools have been honored as being among the most challenging in the nation, including one recognized as the top school in the State of Michigan.

Eisenhower High School and the Utica Academy for International Studies have been named two of America’s Most Academically Challenging High Schools.

Eisenhower High School was named the 30th most challenging high school in Michigan and the 1,716th in the nation. 
UAIS was ranked the state’s most challenging high school, 39th in the nation and second in the Midwest. 

The Washington Post Challenge Index identifies programs and schools based on student participation in rigorous academic programs, based on Advanced Placement programs through the College Board and courses authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization. 

“Utica Community Schools remains committed to increasing the academic rigor in all of our schools," said Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns. “Our students have access to college-level courses and opportunities through our high school curriculum. The work of our staff to promote this access means our students graduate with the skills to compete for the best post-secondary schools and the jobs of the future.” 

America's Most Challenging High Schools ranks schools through an index formula based on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year. 

Now in its sixth year, the Utica Academy for International Studies offers students the opportunity to prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma – a high school diploma recognized by universities around the world. Utica Community Schools is the only Michigan district that operates a non-consortium International Baccalaureate high school in which all students must complete the full IB diploma curriculum. 

Eisenhower High School is recognized as a Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon High School. It has also been named as one of America’s outstanding high schools by Newsweek Magazine four of the past five years.