The Best Private Schools in Evanston, Wyoming
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Evanston. 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 a highly prestigious independent school located in Salt Lake City, approximately 75 miles from Evanston, serving families throughout the region including southwestern Wyoming. As Utah's top-ranked private school, it offers exceptional college preparatory education from beginner through 12th grade. The school features rigorous academic programs including extensive AP course offerings, innovative STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, Rowland Hall consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide. Many Evanston families choose this school for its academic excellence and proven track record.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
St. Mary's Catholic School is Evanston's only local private school option, serving the community for over seven decades. This well-established Catholic school provides a comprehensive K-8 education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with modern academic standards. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a nurturing environment that focuses on character development alongside academic excellence. Programs include traditional core subjects enhanced by religious education, STEM activities, music, and arts. The school maintains strong community ties and serves as a cornerstone of private education in southwestern Wyoming.
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Waterford School
Independent School
Waterford School is a highly regarded independent school located in Sandy, Utah, approximately 85 miles from Evanston, serving students from across the region including Wyoming families. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts education from preschool through high school, emphasizing academic rigor within a balanced program of arts, athletics, and community service. Waterford's curriculum features advanced mathematics and science programs, extensive language offerings, outstanding visual and performing arts, and unique outdoor education components. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its intellectual environment and commitment to developing well-rounded, thoughtful graduates prepared for competitive colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Evanston, Wyoming
What are the primary private school options available for families in Evanston, Wyoming, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Evanston, Wyoming, the main private school option is **St. Mary's Catholic School**, which serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. It is important to note that the schools listed as "top private schools" for the area, such as Rowland Hall and Waterford School, are actually prestigious institutions located in Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 75-80 miles from Evanston. Many families in southwestern Wyoming, including Evanston, may consider these Utah schools, but this involves a significant commute. For local, in-town private education, St. Mary's is the cornerstone, offering a faith-based, structured environment for elementary and middle school students.
How does tuition at St. Mary's Catholic School in Evanston compare to the state average for private schools, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at St. Mary's Catholic School in Evanston is generally below the national average for private schools and is competitive within Wyoming. Specific rates vary by grade level and parish membership, but families can expect annual tuition to be in the range of several thousand dollars, which is often more affordable than larger urban private schools. The school, like many private institutions in Wyoming, may offer financial aid, scholarships, or multi-child discounts. It's also worth exploring the Wyoming **Education Tax Credit** program, which provides a state income tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations that help fund private school tuition for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Evanston's private schools offer that leverage the local Wyoming environment?
St. Mary's Catholic School in Evanston integrates the values of its community and the surrounding environment into its program. While offering a standard core curriculum enhanced with religious education, the school may emphasize outdoor activities and stewardship reflective of Wyoming's culture. Proximity to the Uinta Mountains and vast public lands allows for potential outdoor education components. Furthermore, its small size fosters a tight-knit community where students often participate in regional academic competitions, sports leagues, and service projects specific to the Evanston area. For specialized programs like advanced STEM or arts, families often look to the larger schools in Utah, underscoring a trade-off between local convenience and specialized offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Mary's Catholic School in Evanston, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for St. Mary's Catholic School in Evanston typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Interested families should contact the school office directly to schedule a tour, obtain an application packet, and inquire about seat availability. Due to its small size (often one class per grade level), spaces can be limited, and certain grades may have waitlists, especially in the younger years. The process usually requires submission of academic records, a family interview, and registration fees. It is highly recommended for Evanston parents to initiate contact by January or February to secure a spot, as the school community is small and in-demand among local families seeking a private, values-based education.
For an Evanston family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like St. Mary's?
The decision between Evanston's public schools (Uinta County School District #1) and St. Mary's Catholic School involves several local considerations. **Public schools** offer a no-tuition cost, a wider range of extracurricular activities and sports (like Evanston High School's strong athletics), and potentially more diverse program offerings due to larger scale. **St. Mary's** offers smaller class sizes (often 15 students or fewer), a consistent faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, and a close-knit community atmosphere. For Evanston families, a major practical factor is the **8th-grade cutoff** at St. Mary's; parents must then plan for a transition to Evanston High School or a private high school elsewhere. The choice often hinges on the value placed on religious education, small-scale learning environment, and the willingness to manage a school transition after middle school.