Average
#2331 of 3,190 schools in MI
Ucs Alternative Learning Center
High School · Utica Community Schools
7600 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Enrollment
258
Student-Teacher
28.7:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
258
Student-Teacher
28.7:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan high schools
#553 of 812
In district
#29 of 37
Utica Community Schools
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About Ucs Alternative Learning Center
UCS Alternative Learning Center is a high school in Sterling Heights, Michigan, nestled in a large suburban area. The school caters to students from grade 9 through 12 and has an enrollment of 258 students with 9 full-time equivalent teachers. With a student-teacher ratio of 28.7:1, the school focuses on providing personalized support within its alternative learning environment.
UCS Alternative Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating is 3.1 out of 10, placing it at the 10th percentile among Michigan schools in terms of state ranking. The academic score reflects a need for improvement, with only 10% of students meeting proficiency levels in ELA/Reading and just 5% in Math. Despite these challenges, UCS Alternative Learning Center continues to work diligently on student development and academic growth, offering tailored educational programs that cater to diverse learning needs.
Located in the heart of Sterling Heights, the school is part of a vibrant suburban community that supports its efforts to provide meaningful educational experiences for all students.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Ucs Alternative Learning Center are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at Ucs Alternative Learning Center is 28.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ucs Alternative Learning Center — Students at Ucs Alternative Learning Center score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
69%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.4/10.
How Ucs Alternative Learning Center Compares
See how Ucs Alternative Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 5% (2019) to 5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 5% (2019) to 15% (2021).
Location
7600 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ucs Alternative Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Adlai Stevenson High School (rated 6.1/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Henry Ford II High School (rated 5.9/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sterling Heights, see our Sterling Heights schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Schwarzkoff Elementary School Sterling Heights | 0.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Plumbrook Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Adlai Stevenson High School Sterling Heights | 1.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Messmore Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.4 mi | 7.5 |
| Davis Junior High School Sterling Heights | 1.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Henry Ford II High School Sterling Heights | 1.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Dresden Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Dekeyser Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Jack Harvey Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Browning Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Huron Academy Grades K2 Clinton Twp | 2.1 mi | 7.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Utica | 2.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Bemis Junior High School Sterling Heights | 1.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Heritage Junior High School Sterling Heights | 2.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Eppler Junior High School Utica | 2.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Flickinger Elementary School Utica | 2.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Oakbrook Elementary School Sterling Heights | 2.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Burr Elementary School Sterling Heights | 1.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Havel Elementary School Sterling Heights | 2.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Willow Woods Elementary School Sterling Heights | 2.7 mi | 5.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48314 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$80,383
Median Home Value
$309,700
Median Rent
$1,397/mo
Population
21,379
College Educated
36.2%
Homeownership
77%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
9.7%
Median Age
49.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ucs Alternative Learning Center has a median household income of $80,383. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $309,700, with a median rent of $1,397/month. The local poverty rate of 9.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bangor High School Bangor, MI | 5.4 |
| Clawson High School Clawson, MI | 5.4 |
| Holton High School Holton, MI | 5.4 |
| Marcellus High School Marcellus, MI | 5.4 |
| Muskegon Heights Academy Muskegon, MI | 5.4 |
| Taylor Virtual Learning Academy Taylor, MI | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ucs Alternative Learning Center
What grades does Ucs Alternative Learning Center serve?
Ucs Alternative Learning Center serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Ucs Alternative Learning Center?
Ucs Alternative Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 258 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ucs Alternative Learning Center?
The student-teacher ratio at Ucs Alternative Learning Center is 28.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ucs Alternative Learning Center rank in MI?
Ucs Alternative Learning Center is ranked #2331 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Ucs Alternative Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?
Ucs Alternative Learning Center has a composite rating of 5.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ucs Alternative Learning Center?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ucs Alternative Learning Center has 5.0% math proficiency and 10.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ucs Alternative Learning Center a charter school?
No, Ucs Alternative Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ucs Alternative Learning Center a Title I school?
No, Ucs Alternative Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ucs Alternative Learning Center?
69.0% of students at Ucs Alternative Learning Center qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,277/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Sterling Heights). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 258
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 28.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 9
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 69.0%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Macomb County
- Phone
- (586) 797-7000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Utica Community Schools- District Enrollment
- 25,501
- Schools in District
- 38
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,360
- District Rank
- #29 of 37
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.