The Best Private Schools in Draper, Utah
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Draper. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rowland Hall
Independent School
Rowland Hall is one of Utah's most prestigious independent schools serving students from beginner (age 3) through 12th grade. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, the school offers an exceptional college preparatory education with small class sizes and personalized attention. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and ethical leadership. The Upper School campus features advanced science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive arts facilities. Many graduates attend top-tier universities nationwide, and the school maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement.
Programs:
Juan Diego Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
Juan Diego Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic school serving grades 9-12 with a strong academic reputation and comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing rigorous academic challenges. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith formation, community service, and character development while maintaining competitive athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
The Waterford School
Independent School
The Waterford School is a highly respected independent school located in nearby Sandy, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded on principles of liberal arts education, Waterford offers a rigorous academic program complemented by extensive arts, athletics, and outdoor education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performance halls, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development, intellectual curiosity, and global citizenship. Waterford consistently ranks among Utah's top private schools with graduates attending prestigious colleges and universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Draper, Utah
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Draper, Utah, and what are their educational philosophies?
Draper, UT, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the city limits in the broader Salt Lake Valley. The most prominent options include Juan Diego Catholic High School (in Draper), offering a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values for grades 9-12. Rowland Hall (campuses in Salt Lake City) is a prestigious independent PreK-12 school known for its rigorous academics and strong arts programs. The Waterford School (in Sandy, adjacent to Draper) is an independent PreK-12 school with a liberal arts focus and a beautiful campus. Draper also has various private elementary and faith-based academies. Given the proximity, many Draper families consider schools in neighboring Sandy, South Jordan, and Salt Lake City as part of their options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Draper, Utah, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid or scholarship programs available?
Tuition in the Draper area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $12,000-$18,000 for elementary grades and $16,000-$25,000+ for high school at the top independent schools. Utah has a unique financial aid resource: the Utah Fits All Scholarship, a state-funded education savings account program. While not exclusively for private schools, it can be used for private school tuition and is awarded by lottery to eligible K-12 students. This can substantially offset costs. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school (using tools like SSS) by their early deadlines, often in January or February.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible to Draper residents?
Private schools in the Draper corridor offer distinct specializations. Juan Diego Catholic High School features strong STEM pathways, a renowned robotics team, and competitive athletics within the Utah High School Activities Association. The Waterford School is celebrated for its comprehensive arts requirement, including visual arts, music, and drama for all students, and its extensive outdoor and experiential education program. Rowland Hall emphasizes advanced science research, global studies, and has an exceptional upper school debate program. For Draper families, many of these schools also provide robust transportation or carpool networks to facilitate commuting from the southern end of the Salt Lake Valley. These programs are often more intensive than typical public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for competitive private schools in the Draper, Utah, area?
The process for top-tier schools like Rowland Hall, Waterford, and Juan Diego is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a fall start, the key timeline is: **Summer/Fall (Year Prior)**: Attend open houses and virtual tours (often starting in September). **November-January**: Complete and submit applications, which include essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. **January-February**: Required student assessments or interviews are conducted. **March**: Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated. **April**: Enrollment contracts and deposits are due. For Juan Diego, placement exams for incoming 9th graders are a critical component. Due to competitive spaces, especially in entry-level grades (PreK, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), initiating the process 12-18 months ahead is strongly advised for Draper families.
How do the class sizes, community environment, and values education in Draper-area private schools compare to the local public school options?
Draper's public schools (in the Canyons School District) are generally high-performing, but private schools offer distinct differences. Class sizes are typically 15-18 students versus 25-35+ in public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. The community environment is often more close-knit, with strong parent involvement and a consistent peer group from elementary through high school at unified campuses. A major differentiator is values education: schools like Juan Diego integrate Catholic teachings, while independents like Waterford and Rowland Hall focus on secular ethical frameworks, character education, and inclusive communities. This contrasts with the religiously neutral stance of public schools. For families in Draper seeking a specific educational philosophy or a smaller, more tailored academic setting, the private options provide a compelling alternative to the well-regarded but larger public system.