Uinta County School District #1 Has Small Class Sizes and Hands-On Learning

Parents considering a move to Evanston, Wyoming, can send their children to the quality public schools in the area. Uinta County School District #1 (UCSD #1) boasts top-notch educators and high retention rates, ensuring students learn from some of the best teachers in the region.

Our mission is to provide a pathway to excellence,” says Doug Rigby, assistant superintendent of UCSD #1. “We work to ensure our schools are effective and provide high levels of learning to all students.”

Discover what makes UCSD #1 stand out and how it helps students build foundational skills while looking ahead to the future. 

Small Class Sizes Support Personalized Learning

UCSD #1 has fewer than 3,000 students enrolled across its K-12 classrooms. It is known for its smaller class sizes, allowing educators to offer individualized attention to each student. Rigby estimates that K-1 classrooms have a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, while the ratios for all grades hover around 22:1.

“Some of the bigger districts in neighboring Utah have classrooms packed with 30 students in elementary school,” says Rigby. “We pride ourselves on our small class sizes so each student can get the help they need.”  

The small class sizes are just the starting point for the district. UCSD #1 also invests in educator development and encourages teachers to provide hands-on learning experiences away from screens. Students aren’t allowed to turn their phones on in class, allowing distraction-free instruction.

“We truly believe that our people are our greatest resource, and we do our best to provide teachers with the resources they need,” says Rigby. “I don’t know of any place with the level of resources in our school system.”

High School Students Choose Several Post-Graduation Paths

As students navigate the various grade levels at UCSD #1, they explore their interests and options for what they want after graduation. For example, college-bound students can earn up to 30 credits before graduating from high school. Most students leave with around 15 credit hours. These credits are earned through a mixture of AP coursework and partnerships with Uinta BOCES.

“Students can graduate high school with a semester of college credit they don’t have to worry about, and their parents don’t have to pay for,” says Rigby.

An alternative option to enrolling in college is seeking out certification and training programs for various trades. This is where the career and technical education (CTE) programs at UCSD #1 come in.

“I believe we have one of the best, if not the best, CTE programs in the state,” says Rigby.

UCSD #1 offers 16 programs for students, ranging from early childhood development to cabinetry, drafting, and automotive repair. Most of these programs offer college credit, so students are already partially done with their coursework before they enroll in the local community college.  

UCSD #1 is currently working to improve its work-based learning opportunities. It tries to provide job shadowing, guest speakers, and year-long internships for students. Some of these opportunities can lead to full-time employment after graduation, benefitting both local companies and learners. Even if a company can’t offer full-time employment after an internship, it benefits from the eager students building their skills within the organization.

The Evanston Community Rallies Around UCSD #1

UCSD #1 provides several opportunities for parents to support their kids and get involved in the learning experience. However, the entire Evanston community can also participate in school activities. They can attend athletic events or enjoy theatrical and musical performances by students. Business owners can get involved in CTE programs or simply visit as guest speakers.

“The local community’s support is something we appreciate and never take for granted,” says Rigby.

He adds that any family considering moving to Evanstan or exploring UCSD #1 can request a tour of the facilities to see what the learning environment will be like.

“If you’re considering Evanston, our schools should be one of the top things that bring you to our community,” he says. “We’re extremely proud of what we do and how we do it.”

Explore Life and Business in Evanston, Wyoming

There are several reasons to love Evanston, from the welcoming residents to the thriving small business community. This part of Wyoming is poised for growth due to its proximity to Salt Lake City and new development projects like the Kemmerer Nuclear Plant.  

Discover Evanston's location advantages and consider moving here. Whether you are expanding your business and hiring recent graduates or sending your kids to UCSD #1, you will love the education offers, infrastructure, and economic support in this community.