Education in Southern Utah

If education is the hope of the future, then the future of the St. George area is assured. The twenty-nine schools of the Washington County School district produce students with a desire to learn. Eighty-two percent of high school graduates plan to continue their education after high school. Dedicated educators, a supportive community and a variety of advanced placement and honors programs provide young people the tools to excel.

The area’s elementary schools feature achievement and physical development at levels of national averages as a result of broad experience in classrooms, arts, and field trips. Middle Schools place a major emphasis on individual instruction creating close ties with teachers at an important time in young lives. High Schools build on early successes allowing Washington County students to score well in national competitions, and have a ninety-five percent graduation rate.

St. George’s own Dixie State College is the first stop for many local students on their higher education journey. Founded in 1911, Dixie State College boasts an average enrollment of 7,000 students. The spectacular setting on the site of the first pioneer encampment in St. George offers excellent programs in liberal arts, business and computer information systems. Athletic programs are affiliated with the National Junior College Athletics Association. In fact, the Dixie State College Rebels recently played for the NJCAA national championship in football and basketball.

Community involvement is a key part of the Dixie State College success story. The Dixie Business alliance and the Washington County Economic Development Council call Dixie State College home. The college also provides many cultural opportunities of the community with the Dixie College Theater, The Dixie State College Celebrity Concert Series, and the Cox Auditorium.

Classes are also offered in St. George by Southern Utah University, whose main campus is located in Cedar City, just 50 miles to the north. The program allows Dixie State College graduates or others in the local community to take upper level classes without leaving St. George. SUU offers Bachelor programs in Business Administration, Education, Criminal Justice and Psychology at the University’s St. George Center. A Master of Education degree is also available through the center.

For older learners, Dixie State College offers the Institute for continued Learning. The ICL provides an outlet for creative energies and involvement in college life without the constrains of test, grades, or earning credits. Programs include lectures, study and discussion groups, educational trips, luncheons and special events conducted during daytime hours.

St. George truly fulfills the need for knowledge with programs and opportunities stretching from kindergarten to Elderhostel.