Utica Community Schools, in partnership with our community, will empower students to positively transform their future and the world.

Utica Community Schools ignites a passion for learning in all students. We strengthen our community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement.

We accomplish this by:

• Ensuring students are at the heart of all decisions
• Collaborating with all stakeholders
• Providing a safe and supportive environment
• Encouraging mindsets that are open to innovation
• Reimagining what school can be
• Promoting high expectations throughout Utica Community Schools
• Committing to multiple pathways toward excellence and achievement for all

We believe...

• All students can learn and achieve.
• All students can teach and learn from each other.
• All parents are partners in their children’s education.
• We will value individuality and diversity.
• We will maintain high expectations for all children to be responsible and caring students.
• All children need a safe and secure learning environment - both physical and emotional.
• We will help students become lifelong learners so they can adapt to a changing world.

The Community at Richard J. Duncan Elementary School is devoted to academic excellence. Sound instructional strategies will provide our students with a foundation of skills that will prepare them for lifelong achievement in a global society.

Language assistance services are available for LEP (speaking, reading, writing or comprehending English) families that are in need or seeking support. Language assistance services are free services provided by the district that include translation and interpretation support. For information or to request services please contact: 

• For Albanian: (586) 797-6946
• For Arabic: (586) 797-6906
• For Spanish: (586) 797-6986  

Persons seeking or needing language assistance are providing confirmation of such need, further verification is not required.