The Best Private Schools in Croydon, Utah
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Croydon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Waterford School
Independent
The Waterford School is a highly regarded independent school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and holistic education approach from preschool through high school. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and sports. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong college placement record and dedicated faculty.
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Juan Diego Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
Juan Diego Catholic High School offers a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values, focusing on academic excellence, faith formation, and community service. It features modern facilities, including science labs and athletic complexes, and provides a robust curriculum with AP courses, arts programs, and competitive sports. The school is praised for its supportive environment and high graduation rates, attracting students from across the region.
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The McGillis School
Independent
The McGillis School is a diverse, inclusive community school offering a challenging academic program with a focus on Jewish values and global citizenship. It emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility, supported by innovative classrooms, outdoor education, and arts integration. Parents value its small student-teacher ratio and strong sense of community, making it a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Croydon, Utah
Are there any private schools physically located within Croydon, Utah, or will we need to commute to neighboring areas?
There are no private schools physically located within the boundaries of Croydon, UT itself, due to its small, rural population. Families in Croydon typically commute to private schools in the wider Salt Lake Valley. The top-regarded options, like The Waterford School (in Sandy), Juan Diego Catholic High School (in Draper), and The McGillis School (in Salt Lake City), are all within a 30-60 minute drive, depending on your specific location in Croydon. This commute is a significant factor for Croydon residents considering private education.
How does Utah's unique school choice landscape, including the Utah Fits All Scholarship, affect private school affordability for Croydon families?
Utah's education savings account program, the Utah Fits All Scholarship, is a crucial financial consideration. For the 2024-2025 school year, it provides approximately $8,000 in state-funded, flexible scholarship money that can be used for private school tuition, among other educational expenses. This can substantially offset the cost of schools like Juan Diego, McGillis, or Waterford. However, these scholarships are awarded by lottery due to high demand, so they are not guaranteed. Croydon families should apply early and have a financial plan that accounts for full tuition in case they are not awarded a scholarship.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs at nearby private schools might benefit a student from a rural community like Croydon?
Private schools in the Salt Lake Valley offer programs that can significantly expand opportunities for students from Croydon. For instance, The Waterford School has a renowned arts and advanced STEM curriculum. Juan Diego Catholic High School offers robust theology programs and competitive athletics. The McGillis School emphasizes environmental stewardship and global citizenship, which may resonate with families appreciating Utah's natural landscape. These programs provide exposure and resources that are typically not available in Croydon's small public school system, offering a broader preparatory experience for college and beyond.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for top private schools accessible from Croydon, and how early should we start?
The enrollment process for competitive schools like Waterford, McGillis, and Juan Diego begins very early. Applications for the following fall typically open in August or September, over a year in advance, with deadlines between January and February. The process involves applications, standardized testing (like the ISEE), student interviews, and parent meetings. For Croydon families, it's critical to start researching and visiting schools 18-24 months before desired enrollment, as spaces are limited and the logistics of arranging visits and testing from a distance require advanced planning. Many schools also host open houses in the fall.
For a Croydon family, what are the key trade-offs between the local public school and commuting to a private school in the valley?
The decision hinges on community, time, and educational approach. Croydon's public schools offer a close-knit, local community with minimal commute. In contrast, commuting to a private school means 1-2+ hours daily in the car, which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. However, private schools offer smaller class sizes, different curricular philosophies (e.g., liberal arts, Catholic, or Jewish-based education), and often more extensive college counseling and advanced course offerings. The choice often comes down to whether the family prioritizes the convenience and community of a rural school or seeks a specific, resource-intensive educational model available only in the metropolitan area.