Orem High School

Orem High School is a public high school in Orem, Utah, United States, serving grades 10 through 12 within the Alpine School District.^[1] Located at 175 South 400 East, the school opened in 1956, replacing the former Lincoln High School, and enrolled 1,299 students with a student-teacher ratio of 24.83 to 1 as of the 2023–24 school year.^[2][1] Its student body is diverse, with 66.6% White, 23.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% two or more races, 2.6% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native students as of the 2023–24 school year.^[3] Under Principal Tamara Stuart, the school emphasizes academic rigor, with a 91% graduation rate, an average ACT score of 20, and 41% of 12th graders participating in Advanced Placement courses, achieving a college readiness index of 33.1 out of 100, all as of the 2023–24 school year.^[4][5][3] Proficiency rates as of the same year include 27% in mathematics, 50% in reading, and 36% in science, contributing to its ranking as the 34th-best high school in Utah and 3,624th nationally.^[3] The school's athletic programs, led by the Tigers mascot, are particularly notable in football, where the team won the Utah 4A state championship in 2017—its first in 23 years—and produced standout alumnus Puka Nacua, the 2018 Gatorade Utah Football Player of the Year who later became an NFL wide receiver; the team advanced to the 5A state championship game in 2025.^[6][7][8][9] Orem High also earned the 4A all-sports award in 2016 for excellence across multiple teams, including runner-up finishes in baseball and boys soccer.^[10]

History

Establishment

Orem High School was established in 1956 by the Alpine School District to address the rapid population growth in Orem, Utah, following World War II. The post-war baby boom and economic expansion in Utah County, particularly driven by the Geneva Steel plant that employed around 5,000 workers and increased the local tax base by 49%, led to a surge in student numbers across the district, from approximately 7,300 in 1950 to nearly 14,000 by 1959—a 92% increase.^[11] This growth necessitated new educational infrastructure to provide dedicated secondary schooling in the burgeoning suburban community.^[12] Prior to its opening, secondary education in Orem was handled by Lincoln High School, which operated as a combined junior and senior high school facility. As enrollment pressures mounted in the early 1950s, temporary measures such as using Spencer School for overflow high school classes were implemented starting in 1952. With the completion of Orem High School in 1956, Lincoln High transitioned back to serving only junior high students, allowing Orem High to assume the role of the area's primary senior high institution while retaining Lincoln's mascot and colors for continuity.^[13][14] The school was constructed at 175 South 400 East in Orem, Utah, strategically located to serve the expanding residential areas of the city. Dedicated on November 16, 1956, after a two-year building period, Orem High School was designed as an innovative comprehensive facility to deliver a full range of secondary education, including academic, vocational, and extracurricular programs, tailored to the needs of a rapidly developing community in northern Utah County.^[15][16] The Alpine School District oversaw its initial operations to ensure alignment with broader regional educational goals.^[17]

Expansions and renovations

In the late 20th century, Orem High School underwent several renovations to address growing enrollment and outdated facilities. In 1990, the Alpine School District approved a remodeling project that transformed the unified studies area into three large classrooms and converted the little theater into four additional classrooms to integrate emerging technology needs.^[18] These changes, which began construction in June 1990, helped accommodate increasing student numbers during a period of population growth in Orem. By the early 2000s, the school had been expanded seven times since its 1956 opening, including a $4.6 million addition and upgrades completed between 2002 and 2004 that enhanced classroom space and infrastructure.^[19] A major overhaul occurred in the late 2000s through a voter-approved $250 million bond in 2006, which funded the complete reconstruction of the aging campus. The original 1956 building was demolished, and a new 223,000-square-foot facility was erected on the site's former parking lot, completed in 2010.^[20] This rebuild incorporated modern science labs, arts facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms, significantly boosting the school's capacity to serve over 1,200 students amid enrollment pressures that had reached approximately 1,100 by the mid-2000s.^[21] The project also introduced advanced infrastructure for career-technical education (CTE) programs, such as updated vocational spaces that supported hands-on learning in areas like culinary arts and information technology.^[22] Post-2010, a proposed $595 million bond in 2022, which included a multipurpose addition for Orem High School to expand athletic and community-use areas and address seismic vulnerabilities in older additions, was rejected by voters in November 2022.^[23][24] As of 2025, the Alpine School District approved a tax increase to support ongoing maintenance and facility needs across the district.^[25] Overall, these developments have modernized the school to support a diverse student body and evolving educational demands.

Administration and enrollment

Leadership

Orem High School is led by Principal Tamara Stuart, who oversees the school's daily operations, ensures alignment with district educational standards, and fosters a supportive learning environment for students. Stuart, appointed to her role in recent years, collaborates closely with the administrative team to implement policies that promote academic excellence and student well-being.^[26] The school features a team of assistant principals who manage key areas of school life. Jason Averett serves as the assistant principal overseeing athletics, coordinating extracurricular sports programs and ensuring compliance with district and state regulations. Other assistant principals, including Chad Wilson and Deon Leavy, focus on academics, discipline, and student services, addressing issues such as attendance, counseling, and instructional support to maintain a structured and equitable school environment.^[26][27] Athletics at Orem High School are directed by Jeremy Main, the athletic director responsible for managing all sports programs, scheduling, and resource allocation to support competitive teams. Assisting Main is Candace Anderson, who serves as the assistant athletic director, contributing to program development and event coordination.^[26][27] As part of the Alpine School District, Orem High School's leadership reports directly to the district superintendent, currently Rob Smith, who serves in an interim capacity. This structure emphasizes collaborative decision-making, where school administrators work with district officials to shape policies on curriculum, budgeting, and community engagement, ensuring consistency across the district's approximately 84,500-student system (as of 2025).^[28][29]

Student body

Orem High School enrolls approximately 1,299 students in grades 10 through 12, serving communities in Orem and surrounding areas of Utah County (as of the 2023–24 school year).^[1] The student body maintains a student-teacher ratio of 24.8 to 1, with 52.3 full-time equivalent teachers supporting the population.^[1] The school's demographics reflect a diverse student composition, with 66.6% identifying as White, 23.7% as Hispanic, 4.5% as multiracial, 2.6% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1.1% as Black or African American, 1.0% as Asian, and 0.5% as American Indian or Alaska Native (as of the 2023–24 school year).^[1] This results in a minority enrollment of 33%, higher than the Utah state average of 29%.^[12] Additionally, 24% of students are economically disadvantaged, qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs (as of the 2023–24 school year).^[1] Grade distribution is balanced across the upper high school years, with 426 students in 10th grade, 427 in 11th grade, and 445 in 12th grade (as of the 2023–24 school year).^[1] To address the needs of this diverse population, Orem High School, as part of the Alpine School District, offers support services including programs for English language learners aimed at achieving proficiency and meeting academic standards, as well as special education screenings and services for students with disabilities.^[30][31] These initiatives align with demographic trends, such as the significant Hispanic and multilingual learner representation, and the district has been recognized for strong performance in supporting multilingual students.^[32]

Academics

Curriculum and programs

Orem High School's core curriculum adheres to the Utah Core Standards established by the Utah State Board of Education, requiring students to complete a minimum of 28 credits for graduation, including 4.0 credits in English/language arts, 3.0 credits in mathematics, 3.0 credits in science, 3.0 credits in social studies, 1.5 credits in fine arts, 2.0 credits in physical education/health, 1.0 credit in information technology or digital literacy, and additional electives to meet career or college readiness goals.^[33] These courses emphasize foundational skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving across disciplines, with electives allowing personalization based on student interests.^[34] The school provides advanced academic opportunities through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, such as AP Calculus AB and AP English Literature and Composition, enabling students to pursue college-level rigor and potentially earn transferable credits upon successful exam performance.^[3] Complementing AP offerings, the Concurrent Enrollment program partners with Utah Valley University to allow qualified students to enroll in university courses taught on campus or online, granting both high school and college credit in subjects like biology and history.^[35] Specialized programs at Orem High School include the ProStart initiative, a two-year sequence focused on culinary arts and hospitality management that introduces students to foodservice operations, safety standards, and entrepreneurship through hands-on projects.^[22] Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, aligned with district-wide offerings, encompass areas such as business management and marketing, as well as health sciences, providing practical training in professional skills like financial literacy and medical terminology to prepare students for postsecondary education or entry-level careers.^[36] These programs integrate with core academics to foster real-world application. Enrichment options extend the curriculum with classes in world languages, including Chinese, and performing arts such as dance, which incorporates elements of ballroom styles to develop cultural awareness and physical coordination.^[37][38] To support delivery of advanced and specialized courses, the school allocates professional development funds for teachers in AP, Concurrent Enrollment, and literacy-focused instruction, ensuring alignment with state standards and student needs.^[39]

Academic performance

Orem High School is ranked 34th out of 219 high schools in Utah by U.S. News & World Report for the 2025-2026 rankings, placing it in the top 16% statewide and #3,624 nationally out of 17,901 schools evaluated on factors including state assessment performance, graduation rates, and college readiness.^[3] The school's overall graduation rate stands at 91%, contributing to its solid standing among Utah public high schools.^[3] State-required assessments reveal areas of strength and opportunity in core subjects. According to Utah state tests, 27% of students achieved proficiency in mathematics, 50% in reading (English language arts), and 36% in science, with these rates reflecting performance on standardized measures aligned to state standards.^[3] Regarding advanced coursework, 41% of students participated in at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, and 30% passed at least one, indicating moderate engagement in college-level programs that support broader academic outcomes.^[3] Student achievements have earned notable recognitions, highlighting excellence in specific academic pursuits. In 2006, two Orem High students won a National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Student Emmy Award for their short video production, underscoring the school's early contributions to media and creative academics.^[40] More recently, in 2025, health and driver education teacher Amy Yokota was honored with the Alpine School District Foundation's Accent on Excellence Award for her impactful teaching and dedication to student well-being.^[41] Additionally, the Class of 2025 earned $8.6 million in scholarship offers.^[42] To enhance academic performance, Orem High has implemented targeted improvement initiatives, particularly emphasizing literacy and expanded access to advanced courses. The school fosters a shared responsibility for literacy improvement by convening teachers across disciplines to integrate reading strategies into various subjects, aiming to build foundational skills that support overall achievement.^[43] Additionally, the 2024-2025 school plan seeks to increase AP enrollment to 28% and Concurrent Enrollment participation to 26%, focusing on boosting college readiness and addressing proficiency gaps through broader program access.^[39]

Campus and facilities

Main buildings

The primary academic and administrative structure at Orem High School is a 223,000-square-foot building completed in 2010, which replaced the original facility constructed in 1956.^[20] This modern structure was funded through a $230 million voter-approved bond in 2006 and serves as the core of the campus, accommodating classrooms, administrative offices, and the school library.^[44][45] The design supports a student capacity exceeding 1,300, aligning with enrollment figures of approximately 1,299 students as of 2023-2024.^[20][1] Specialized facilities within the main building include science laboratories for subjects such as chemistry, arts rooms for creative programs, and computer labs equipped for technology education, all integrated during the 2010 reconstruction to enhance instructional capabilities.^[46] The administrative main office operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and handles enrollment, counseling, and visitor services.^[22] The layout incorporates contemporary updates for technology integration, such as networked computer systems and digital learning tools, alongside accessibility features including ramps and elevators to comply with federal standards.^[47] Post-reconstruction safety enhancements feature secure entry points with locked exterior doors during threat protocols, armed school guardians trained for active threat response, and video surveillance shared with local law enforcement for real-time monitoring.^[48][49]

Athletic and recreational areas

Orem High School's athletic and recreational areas provide dedicated spaces for physical education and sports training on its 175 South 400 East campus in Orem, Utah. The indoor facilities include a main gymnasium, referred to as the fieldhouse, which functions as a multi-purpose venue suitable for activities like basketball and volleyball competitions. An auxiliary gym supports additional practice sessions and smaller events. These indoor spaces were modernized as part of the school's comprehensive rebuild completed in 2010, replacing the original 1956 structure with a 223,000-square-foot facility funded by a 2006 voter-approved bond.^[20][50][51] Outdoor areas encompass Tiger Stadium, a primary venue for football and soccer on the campus grounds. The school also maintains tennis courts and an all-weather outdoor track encircling the stadium, used for track and field training and meets. These fields and courts integrate with the surrounding academic buildings, allowing convenient access during school hours. Soccer and tennis facilities are designated for both school use and external recreational purposes.^{[52][53][54][55]} The athletic and recreational areas are managed by Athletic Director Jeremy Main under the oversight of the Alpine School District. Maintenance ensures availability for student activities, school events, and limited community access via rental agreements, with fees applied for external use of spaces like the tennis courts.^[27][54]

Extracurricular activities

Athletics

Orem High School's athletic programs compete under the auspices of the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA), participating in a wide range of interscholastic sports across boys' and girls' divisions. The Tigers field teams in football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, golf, swimming, track and field, cross country, wrestling, and lacrosse, among others.^[6][27] The football program, featuring the Tigers mascot, has a storied history with nine UHSAA state championships, including titles in 1994 and four consecutive from 2017 to 2020.^[27][56] In 2025, the team reached the 5A state championship game.^[57] The wrestling team has secured six state championships (1963, 1965, 1976, 1994, 1995, 1996), contributing to the school's tradition of competitive success in contact sports.^[27] In track and field, the programs have excelled with 13 boys' state titles (as of 2025) and six girls' titles, highlighted by the boys' 4A championship win in May 2025 and athlete Junior Tovar's school record of 10.84 seconds in the 100-meter dash set in 2016.^[27][58][59] Overall, Orem's athletic department earned the Deseret News All-Sports Award in the 4A classification for the 2015-16 school year, recognizing comprehensive excellence across multiple disciplines.^[60] The school's athletic mission emphasizes a culture of discipline, teamwork, and achievement, fostering high participation rates in UHSAA-sanctioned events.^[61] Competitions are hosted at dedicated campus facilities, including the main stadium and auxiliary fields.^[62]

Arts and clubs

Orem High School offers a variety of performing arts programs that allow students to develop creative skills through drama, music, and video production. The theater department produces annual plays and musicals, such as Dear Ruth in 2025 and Carousel in recent years, with students participating in acting, directing, and technical roles through classes like Advanced Drama, which prepares participants for regional competitions.^[63][64] The music program includes two symphonic bands, two jazz bands, a percussion ensemble, choir, and orchestra, culminating in events like the annual Movie Night Concert featuring film scores.^[65][66] Additionally, the school's a cappella group, Critical Mass, has competed in national events, including the International Championship of High School A Cappella regionals in 2015.^[67] In video production, students have achieved recognition, notably with seniors Collin Barkdull and Trevor Robertson winning a Student Emmy Award in 2006 for their short film All Tied Up, selected from over 600 entries as part of a class assignment.^[68] Beyond performing arts, Orem High School supports clubs and organizations focused on cultural enrichment, leadership, and peer support. The competitive ballroom dance team participates in regional events, emphasizing skill-building and performance under the guidance of instructors like Chelsea Alley.^[69][70] Cultural clubs include Latinos in Action and the Chinese Club, which promote representation and community engagement through activities like cultural awareness events.^[71] These groups, along with visual arts opportunities such as painting classes, provide avenues for creative expression outside formal academics.^[72] Leadership-oriented organizations, including Sources of Strength—a district-supported mental health promotion program—offer students training in peer support and suicide prevention.^[73] Students engage in school productions, concerts, and talent showcases that foster collaboration and public performance skills. These events, such as drama productions and band concerts, encourage community involvement and allow participants to take on leadership roles in planning and execution.^[74] Through these extracurriculars, students build confidence, teamwork, and specialized talents, with opportunities extending to community service initiatives tied to clubs like Sources of Strength, which emphasize positive social change.^[75]

Notable people

Alumni

Orem High School has produced several notable alumni who have achieved prominence in sports, entertainment, and other fields. Among them is Kurt Bestor, a composer and musician who graduated from Orem High School in 1976, where he played trumpet in the school band before studying at Brigham Young University and later composing for events like the 2002 Winter Olympics.^[76][77] Bestor has released numerous albums and scored films, contributing to the school's legacy in the arts.^[78] In sports, Gary Crowton, class of 1975, emerged as an all-state quarterback at Orem High before becoming a prominent American football coach, including head coach at Brigham Young University from 2001 to 2004 and offensive coordinator roles at Louisiana State University and the University of Oregon.^[79][80] Similarly, Tyson Apostol, who graduated in 1997, excelled in swimming at Orem High—competing in state championships—and pursued a career as a professional cyclist before gaining fame as a three-time contestant and winner of Survivor: Blood vs. Water in 2013.^[81] Brian Wimmer, an actor from the class of 1977, began his career with local theater involvement during high school and later starred in television series such as China Beach (1988–1991) and Flipper (1995–1996), along with films like The Thundering 8th.^[82][83] More recent graduates continue this athletic tradition; for instance, Puka Nacua, class of 2019, set Utah high school receiving records at Orem High before playing college football at Brigham Young University and the University of Washington, and now as a wide receiver for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and 2024 after a record-setting rookie season.^[84][85][86] Earlier alumni include Russell Park, who graduated from Orem High's predecessor, Lincoln High School, in 1940 as captain of the football and basketball teams; he served as a WWII Navy Seabee veteran and later founded Park's Sportsman, establishing an annual award for outstanding athletes at Orem High School.^[87][88] These individuals, along with other athletes and professionals from various classes, exemplify the school's enduring impact in fostering talent for national and international success in sports, entertainment, and community leadership.^[62] Alumni engagement remains strong, as evidenced by events like the 50-year reunion for the class of 1973, which drew former students to celebrate shared memories and accomplishments.

Faculty and staff

Orem High School employs a dedicated faculty and staff comprising educators, coaches, and support personnel who play pivotal roles in delivering academic instruction, extracurricular programs, and daily operations. The teaching staff includes specialists in core subjects, fine arts, and health education, while coaches oversee competitive athletics, and support roles encompass administrative aides, custodians, and enrichment instructors who enhance student experiences through specialized programs like religious education via the Church Educational System (CES). Among the notable coaches is Robert Steele, who served as wrestling coach at Orem High School and led the team to three consecutive 5A state championships in the 1990s, establishing a legacy of excellence in the program. Steele was inducted into the Utah Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 for his contributions to high school wrestling in the state. Similarly, Steve Downey, who coached football for 22 years, received the Outstanding Educator of the Year award from the Orem Area Chamber of Commerce in 1998, recognizing his impact on student-athletes through leadership and program development. In the classroom, drama teacher Gerald Elison was honored as the Outstanding Teacher for urban high schools by the Utah School Boards Association in 1991, praised for his innovative approaches to arts education that fostered student creativity and performance skills. Elison was the subject of a 2014 civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of a student in the 1970s, which was dismissed by the Utah Court of Appeals in 2017. Current faculty includes Autumn Linsley, a fine arts and performing arts teacher who contributes to the school's visual and theatrical programs, supporting student exhibitions and productions. In athletics, Daniel Lopez serves as head baseball coach, bringing experience from prior roles to build team performance and player development. CES-affiliated seminary teachers provide religious education integrated into the school day, with long-term impacts on student spiritual and moral development; for instance, Ryan Eggett taught seminary in Orem for 20 years and was recognized for his service in 2015, including directing community choirs that enriched cultural programs. Support staff, including custodians and administrative personnel, maintain campus facilities and operations, ensuring a safe and efficient environment, while enrichment instructors offer supplemental programs in areas like arts and wellness to broaden student opportunities. These staff members collectively receive recognitions for teaching excellence, such as district-level awards, underscoring their role in sustaining Orem High's academic and extracurricular standards.