The Best Private Schools in Salt Lake City, Utah
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Salt Lake City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Waterford School
Independent Private School
The Waterford School is a highly acclaimed independent school located in Sandy, serving the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and holistic approach, it offers programs from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes arts, athletics, and STEM, with small class sizes and a focus on character development. It consistently ranks among the top private schools in Utah for academic excellence and college preparation, with state-of-the-art facilities and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The McGillis School
Independent Private School
The McGillis School is a diverse and inclusive independent school in Salt Lake City, offering education from kindergarten through 8th grade. Rooted in Jewish values, it focuses on academic rigor, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The school features strong STEM and arts programs, along with outdoor education and community service initiatives. With a reputation for high parent satisfaction and a supportive learning environment, it provides modern facilities and a commitment to fostering global citizenship.
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Juan Diego Catholic High School
Catholic School, Diocese of Salt Lake City
Juan Diego Catholic High School, located in Draper, serves the Salt Lake City area with a comprehensive education integrating faith and learning. It offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, robust athletics, arts programs, and service opportunities for grades 9-12. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, inclusive community, and modern facilities, including science labs and performance spaces. It emphasizes character formation and has a track record of high graduation and college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Salt Lake City, Utah
What are the main types of private schools available in Salt Lake City, Utah, and how do they differ?
Salt Lake City offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories. First, secular independent schools like The Waterford School and The McGillis School offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula with a focus on arts, sciences, and character education, without religious affiliation. Second, Catholic schools, such as Juan Diego Catholic High School and the broader Judge Memorial system, provide faith-based education integrated with academic excellence. Third, there are other faith-based and specialty schools (e.g., Montessori, Waldorf). The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, and community culture, allowing parents to find a school that aligns closely with their family's values and educational goals for their child.
How does tuition for private schools in Salt Lake City compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in Utah?
Tuition at top Salt Lake City private schools like Waterford or McGillis often ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 annually for upper grades, which is above the Utah state average for private schools due to their extensive programs and facilities. However, Utah offers unique financial assistance through the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship for eligible students and the Utah Fits All Scholarship (a state-funded education savings account program), which can be used at participating private schools. Additionally, most Salt Lake City private schools have robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school, as deadlines are typically early in the admissions cycle.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable among Salt Lake City private schools due to the local environment and economy?
Salt Lake City private schools leverage the region's unique geography and thriving tech and outdoor industries. Many, like The Waterford School, have strong STEM programs with connections to Utah's "Silicon Slopes" tech corridor. Outdoor education is a hallmark, with schools integrating Utah's mountains into their curricula through skiing, hiking, and environmental science programs. Furthermore, given the city's growing arts scene, schools often have partnerships with local institutions like the Utah Symphony or Ballet West. Juan Diego Catholic High School, for example, offers unique programs in engineering and biomedical science, reflecting broader state educational initiatives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Salt Lake City, such as The Waterford School or The McGillis School?
The enrollment process for top Salt Lake City private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending fall open houses (often virtual and in-person), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (often in January/February), and receiving admission decisions by mid-March. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised. Many schools also have sibling and legacy preferences.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in Salt Lake City private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in districts like Canyons or Salt Lake City School District?
A primary differentiator for Salt Lake City private schools is significantly smaller class sizes and lower student-teacher ratios. While top public schools in districts like Canyons may have classes of 25-30+ students, private schools like McGillis or Waterford typically maintain ratios of 10:1 or 12:1, with average class sizes of 15-18 students. This allows for highly personalized instruction, more individual teacher attention, and deeper student engagement. For parents seeking an environment where their child is known well by every teacher and can participate actively in every discussion, this is a key advantage of the private school landscape in Salt Lake City.