The Best Private Schools in Lehi, Utah
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lehi. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
American Heritage of South Jordan
American Heritage School
American Heritage School is a highly-regarded private institution serving families throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Lehi residents. The school integrates faith, family, and freedom principles into its rigorous college preparatory curriculum. With exceptional teacher retention and outstanding academic results, American Heritage emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and moral character. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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The Waterford School
The Waterford School
The Waterford School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through high school, with many families commuting from Lehi for its exceptional educational experience. Waterford offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with outstanding arts programs, competitive athletics, and rigorous academic preparation. The school's beautiful 40-acre campus features extensive facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. Waterford consistently achieves top academic rankings and college placement results in the region.
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Summit Academy
Summit Academy Schools
Summit Academy operates multiple campuses serving the northern Utah County area, including Lehi families. The school follows the nationally recognized Core Knowledge Curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education and character development. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, Summit Academy provides a rigorous academic environment while maintaining a supportive community atmosphere. The Draper campus serves as a regional hub with modern facilities and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lehi, Utah
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Lehi, Utah, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Lehi itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families have access to several highly-regarded schools in the immediate northern Utah County area. Summit Academy has a K-9 campus in nearby Bluffdale, American Heritage of South Jordan serves K-12 students just north in South Jordan, and The Waterford School, a prestigious pre-K-12 institution, is located in Sandy. Many Lehi families commute to these schools due to their strong reputations. It's important to note that most private school options are concentrated in the neighboring cities along the I-15 corridor, making a commute part of the consideration for Lehi residents.
How does Utah's unique public education funding, including the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, impact the affordability of private schools for Lehi families?
Utah's education landscape is unique due to state-level school choice initiatives. The Utah Fits All Scholarship is a new, state-funded education savings account (ESA) program that provides eligible families with funds that can be used for private school tuition, among other educational expenses. For a Lehi family, this can significantly offset the cost of schools like Summit Academy or American Heritage. However, the program has eligibility requirements and funding caps, so it's crucial to apply early and verify directly with your chosen school how they accept and process these ESA funds. This program is a major financial consideration that distinguishes Utah from many other states.
Given Lehi's prominence as "Silicon Slopes," do local private schools offer specialized STEM or technology programs aligned with the area's tech industry?
Yes, several private schools serving the Lehi community have developed robust STEM programs to align with the local economy. American Heritage of South Jordan emphasizes a classical education but integrates strong logic and science curricula. The Waterford School is known for its rigorous science and math tracks, with advanced laboratory facilities. Summit Academy, while following a Core Knowledge sequence, also incorporates project-based learning. Furthermore, these schools often leverage their proximity to tech companies for guest speakers, mentorship opportunities, and field trips, providing a contextual advantage for students interested in tech and engineering pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for top private schools in the Lehi area, and how competitive is admission?
Enrollment timelines for schools like The Waterford School, American Heritage, and Summit Academy are critical and often begin nearly a year in advance. Most open their application periods in the early fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines typically between January and March. The Waterford School's process is particularly competitive and includes student assessments and family interviews. For Lehi families, it's essential to plan ahead, attend open houses (often held in the fall), and submit applications early. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but spaces, especially in specific grade levels, can fill quickly due to high demand from the growing Lehi and Utah County population.
How do the educational approaches and community environments of private schools near Lehi compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Alpine School District?
This is a key consideration for Lehi parents. The Alpine School District is one of the largest and highest-performing public districts in Utah, offering strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and newer facilities. Private alternatives offer distinct differences: smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-35+), specific pedagogical philosophies (e.g., American Heritage's patriotic classical model or Waterford's liberal arts focus), and often more uniform family values alignment. The choice often comes down to prioritizing a tailored, specific educational approach and community culture over the broad offerings, proximity, and no-tuition cost of the public system. For some, the commute to a private school is worth it for the specialized environment.
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