Schools in Vernal, UT

Vernal, Utah, has 11 schools serving about 6,652 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one alternative school. Most schools are part of Uintah District, while Terra Academy operates separately. School quality varies considerably, giving families several different options depending on grade level and priorities.

Among elementary schools, Maeser School is the strongest overall performer. It ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide, has a five-star rating, and leads the area in mathematics, science, and English language arts. Discovery School is another strong choice, ranking in the 80th percentile with particularly good mathematics and science results. Naples School and Davis School show more moderate results, while Ashley School ranks below the statewide midpoint despite recent improvement. In middle school, Vernal Middle clearly outperforms Uintah Middle School, especially in mathematics.

At the high-school level, Uintah High ranks in the 67th percentile and reports an 89.3% graduation rate, with notable tenth-grade gains in mathematics and science. Terra Academy has mixed results across grades and subjects, so families should review specific programs and assessment results carefully. The most widespread concern is chronic absenteeism: every school with a reported figure exceeds Utah’s statewide rate, including more than half of students at Maeser School and Discovery School. Parents comparing schools should weigh academic performance alongside attendance, student support, transportation, and the particular needs of their child.