The Best Private Schools in Riverton, Utah
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Riverton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Waterford School
Independent
Waterford School is a prestigious independent day school located in nearby Sandy that serves families throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Riverton. Founded on a liberal arts tradition, the school offers a rigorous academic program from preschool through high school. Waterford is renowned for its exceptional faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers robust extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
Programs:
Rowland Hall
Independent
Rowland Hall is one of Utah's oldest and most respected independent schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in Salt Lake City, it attracts families from Riverton and throughout the Salt Lake Valley seeking a premier college preparatory education. The school features a challenging academic curriculum with a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. Rowland Hall emphasizes innovative teaching methods, critical thinking, and personalized learning. The campus includes modern science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. The school is particularly noted for its strong community values and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
Programs:
Juan Diego Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
Juan Diego Catholic High School, located in nearby Draper, serves the southern Salt Lake Valley including Riverton families. As part of the Catholic school system, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in Catholic values. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School and features advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The modern campus includes advanced science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Juan Diego is known for its diverse student body, strong academic outcomes, and commitment to service learning, with graduates consistently accepted to top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Riverton, Utah
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Riverton, Utah, and are they located within the city limits?
While Riverton itself has a limited number of private schools physically located within its boundaries, families commonly access several prestigious institutions in the broader Salt Lake Valley. The most prominent options include the Waterford School (in Sandy), Rowland Hall (in Salt Lake City), and Juan Diego Catholic High School (in Draper). Many Riverton families commute to these schools, which offer robust transportation or carpool networks. There are also smaller local private academies and faith-based schools. It's important for Riverton parents to consider the commute to these top-tier schools as part of their decision-making process.
How does Utah's unique school voucher program, the Utah Fits All Scholarship, impact the affordability of private schools for Riverton residents?
The Utah Fits All Scholarship is a significant financial consideration for Riverton families. This state-funded education savings account provides approximately $8,000 per student (amounts can vary yearly) that can be used for private school tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. This can substantially offset the cost of schools like Juan Diego, Waterford, or Rowland Hall. However, these scholarships are awarded via lottery due to high demand, so applying early is crucial. Riverton parents should contact their preferred private schools' financial aid offices to understand how the scholarship integrates with their specific tuition and any existing need-based aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Riverton students offer that complement the local community's interests?
Private schools in the Riverton area often design programs that align with both Utah's natural landscape and tech-oriented economy. For example, the Waterford School has renowned arts and environmental science programs that leverage Utah's outdoors. Rowland Hall offers strong STEM pathways and entrepreneurship programs, connecting to the Salt Lake Valley's growing tech sector. Juan Diego Catholic High School provides distinctive programs in engineering and theology, along with competitive athletics that rival large public schools. Many of these schools also have unique outdoor education and ski programs, taking advantage of the proximity to the Wasatch Mountains.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the leading private schools that Riverton students attend, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline for top private schools like Waterford, Rowland Hall, and Juan Diego is typically early, with applications opening in August or September for the following academic year. Key deadlines for financial aid and priority applications often fall between December and February. Admission is competitive, particularly for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. The process usually includes a completed application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, and teacher recommendations. For Riverton families, it's vital to plan at least a year in advance, attend open houses (often held in the fall), and understand that sibling and legacy preferences can affect availability.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in private schools near Riverton compare to those in the Jordan School District public schools?
This is a key differentiator. Jordan School District public schools in Riverton, while highly rated, often have class sizes of 25-30+ students. In contrast, private schools like Waterford and Rowland Hall maintain much lower ratios, typically between 8:1 and 12:1. Juan Diego also offers smaller average class sizes than the public high schools. This allows for more individualized attention, differentiated instruction, and deeper student-teacher relationships. For Riverton parents seeking a highly personalized learning environment where their child is known well by faculty, the private school model in the area provides a distinct advantage, albeit at a significant financial cost before aid.