10 Reasons to Choose Union Colony Schools
Union Colony Schools (UCS) is a tuition-free K–12 charter school serving Evans and Greeley, Colorado. We’ve made intentional choices about who we are and what we offer families: small class sizes, strong academics, and clear expectations for student character. If you’re looking for a school where students are known, supported, and challenged in the right ways, here are 10 reasons UCS may be the right fit.
1. A Relationship-First Elementary School
Union Colony Elementary is a Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Showcase School, and it is everywhere in our students' daily experience. Relationships are central to how learning happens. Students are known by name, encouraged to do the right thing, and supported when they need help.
2. A School Culture You Can Feel
One of the biggest shifts at our Elementary School is in the culture, and it starts the moment students arrive. Each morning, our students come together as a whole school for announcements and a consistent routine that creates belonging and calm. Throughout the week, our elementary students are recognized for positive academic and behavioral actions, as well as for out-of-school achievements that families share with the school. Small school, tight community.
3. Small Class Sizes and Teachers Who Truly Know Kids
Families choose UCS because they want something smaller and more personal than the large-school experience. In our small classes, teachers can respond quickly, build trust, and give our students the attention they need not just to keep up, but to grow.
4. A Clear Academic Focus
UCS is proud to be academically driven, and we don’t hide that. We’re building strong readers, capable mathematicians, and students who think, write, and solve problems. UCS is a great fit for families who want a school that holds a standard and helps students rise to meet it.
5. A Preparatory School That Eases the Transition
Middle school is a significant change, and UCS has been intentional about making it smoother. The Preparatory School has made a meaningful programming shift by creating more separation between 6-8 and 9-12 students within the building. The result is a calmer experience with less chaotic hallway traffic, more age-appropriate expectations, and a better bridge from elementary routines to secondary independence.
6. A K-12 Pathway That Stays Consistent
Families who thrive at UCS often tell us they want consistency. UCS offers a connected K-12 experience with shared expectations and a strong sense of community without the overwhelm that can come with larger schools.
7. A Community That Reflects the World
Union Colony Elementary now serves close to 50% multilingual families, and that diversity strengthens our school community. UCS is actively revising our K-5 programming to better support multilingual learners and ensure all of our students get the academic support they need to succeed.
8. Meaningful Traditions That Build Belonging
UCS families consistently respond to the “little extra” touches that make events feel special. From community moments like Chili Night at a basketball game to Senior Night celebrations where spectators stop to read each student’s story, UCS creates experiences that bring people together. One standout tradition: when UCS recognizes seniors at a home game, they also recognize seniors from the opposing team, an example of character in action.
9. Athletics and Activities That Create Connection
As a smaller school, UCS can’t offer everything, but what we do offer matters. Families follow athletics closely, and the school continues to grow opportunities. UCS also keeps extracurricular participation open to some students who attend online programs elsewhere because belonging and connection matter. Find out more on our website or give us a call.
10. A Charter School Choice with a Clear “Why”
UCS is sometimes misunderstood because people assume “school is school.” But charter schools are designed to offer families a different option, and UCS has chosen a path that prioritizes a smaller community, strong academics, and clear expectations. We are the school for families who want structure, support, and a strong academic foundation.
The enrollment lottery takes place at the end of January, but families can apply to Union Colony Schools beyond the lottery window. We welcome you to explore your options and submit an application when you’re ready.
About Union Colony Schools:
Union Colony Schools’ innovative approach provides a tuition-free education rich in arts, music, technology and athletics to students in the greater Greeley, Colorado area. With two convenient campuses serving K-5 and 6-12, our dedicated teachers educate for a life of leadership and academic success. Join our close-knit, thriving K-12 schools, where the community is the heart of our mission, and everyone knows your name. We're enrolling.