2021 Best Private Schools in the Salt Lake City Area

About this List

Explore the best private schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools

117 results

The Waterford School
Private School
SANDY, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 4.76 out of 5 108 reviews
#1 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Middle School Student: In Waterford, the campus is mind-blowing, the environment is kid friendly, the teachers are caring.
The campus is like nothing I have ever seen. Not only is it like a college's, it is BEAUTIFUL! Waterford offers amazing activities too. They have soccer, basketball, and volleyball, cross country, and my personal favorite, they have something called outdoor. Being so close to big and little cottonwood canyon, you can rock climb, ski, snow shoe, sled, hike and more. Waterford offers so many varieties of sports and activities for students to participate in.
Also, Waterford has an amazing academic program. Students have not only their core subjects, but they can take musical classes like chorus or for an instrument. They also offer a variety of arts like clay, photo and drawing.
Here at Waterford, the teachers and students care. Teachers care for students safety and success. Students care to do well in classes.
Overall, Waterford has much to offer to the student and their parent
Read 108 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,025 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rowland Hall
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 4.42 out of 5 138 reviews
#2 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: I am incredibly pleased with the education and environment at Rowland Hall. The academic rigor of the middle school program is genuinely preparing the students for high school. In addition, the activities, trips, hands on projects, athletics and arts have been amazing! There is a lot of support for the middle school students in learning to organize their work and schedules, I see the teachers and staff gradually transitioning the students from relying on adults for reminders, to being self motivated- my job as a parent seems to be getting easier! I like seeing the kids learn to communicate directly with teachers regarding work and schedules. The school is also helping with social interactions, support and fun games in advisory and these things have made middle school more fun and less awkward for my kids. The campus and facilities are very nice.
Read 138 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
886 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Juan Diego Catholic High School
Private School
DRAPER, UT
9-12
Rating 4.15 out of 5 195 reviews
#3 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Freshman: I love this school! During this Covid season, our school has taken many many precautions to keep our school up and running and it seems to be doing wonders. The staff and teachers at this school are amazing, kind and supportive of students while providing a good learning environment. I love the wide variety of school activities for every interest, from basketball to International Club and Pre-Med club. We have amazing student body -run dances and activities that just gets you into the school spirit. Overall, my experience here is great and I can't wait to see what's next.
Read 195 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
770 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
9-12
Rating 3.94 out of 5 110 reviews
#4 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: We have had three of our children at Judge this past year and are extremely pleased with our experience! There is a strong feeling of community that pulled us in from the start. We are not Catholic, but we moved here from southern Germany where there is a strong Catholic influence, so we felt right at home. The community, teachers and administration are all very welcoming to people of all religions and backgrounds. Our children have a beautiful variety of friends of many different races, nationalities and religions. This is a valuable part of their education! The teachers have shown genuine interest in and concern for each of our children as they have learned to adjust to an American school. The children have been encouraged to participate in various sports and other extracurricular programs and have thoroughly enjoyed these experiences. We highly recommend this school to anyone looking to give their children a great education that will give them a competitive advantage in college!
Read 110 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
720 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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American Heritage School
Private School
AMERICAN FORK, UT
K-12
Rating 4.66 out of 5 58 reviews
#5 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: Having our five children attend American Heritage School is the best investment we have ever made. Although each of them has had unique gifts and challenges, through the support of teachers and coaches they have excelled in academics, music, drama, and sports. But most importantly, AHS provided an environment where our children learned to respect and show kindness to others. They learned discipline and personal accountability. Their faith in Jesus Christ was strengthened. Every teacher, administrator and staff member exemplified service and discipleship.
Read 58 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
914 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Joseph Catholic High School
Private School
OGDEN, UT
9-12
Rating 4.36 out of 5 74 reviews
#6 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: My Son graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 2017 after attending the elementary school since Kindergarten. I can honestly say, my Son is the person he is today because of the amazing education he received from the St. Joseph schools. The administration, faculty and staff care so much about the students and will do anything to make sure they receive a quality education. The thing that has impressed me the most this past year is that they have been able to stay open since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Which many schools in the area have not been able to do. They have done everything in their power to keep the students safe and IN school! If you are considering a private school for your child you should consider this outstanding school.
Read 74 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
183 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Liahona Preparatory Academy
Private School
PLEASANT GROVE, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 4.85 out of 5 20 reviews
#7 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Alum: I was part of the Distance Education program with Liahona. The teachers are caring and inclusive of the students on the other side of the camera. Activities were inclusive of everyone in the classroom. There is an uplifting environment where learning and growth are encouraged and discussed. Throughout my learning process, I was encouraged to adopt the skills necessary for my time in college and the workforce. My teachers encouraged me to use my talents and to connect to other distance education learners. I was able to make great friends. A change I wish the school would apply is providing activities for students to connect outside of classes and the annual youth conference.
Read 20 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
159 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Intermountain Christian School
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 4.57 out of 5 46 reviews
#8 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: We love that ICS is not just a faith based school but that they value academics. One thing that stood out to us and definitely our deciding factor, is that it is important to them to offer excellent, competitive education partnered with a biblical worldview. Not one or the other but both. Huge for our family. What can I say about the teachers? The teachers are more than teachers, they quickly become family friends. They are thoughtful and care greatly about each of their students. They know how to encourage but also challenge them to grow. We appreciate how they get to know their students' strengths and areas of improvement. This helps us create goals for our boys to work on at home knowing they are being encouraged at school to achieve them too. Tackling areas of improvement together with their teachers is a huge support. We love ICS and believe you will too! We are excited to see how God grows our boys there and for the opportunity to connect more with the ICS community!"
Read 46 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
273 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Layton Christian Academy
Private School
LAYTON, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 4.16 out of 5 51 reviews
#9 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: Layton Christian Academy is an outstanding school here in Utah for their commitment to Christ, deep love and concern for each and every student, and in making an impact in the lives of students from around the world! The family atmosphere and positive influence of the faculty, staff and coaches is profoundly unique in a time where students and families need an educational experience that includes positive role models and academic excellence founded on a Biblical worldview. As parents of two graduates from LCA and currently a sophomore, we wholeheartedly recommend LCA as we have been blessed every year since 2011 to be a part of this outstanding community!
Tammy and Russell East
Read 51 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
415 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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American Heritage of South Jordan
Private School
SOUTH JORDAN, UT
PK, K-12
Rating 3.77 out of 5 31 reviews
#10 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
Parent: Such a great school! I wish I would have taken my grandson here earlier! Such A loving and caring environment. Teachers went above and beyond anything I have seen. They notice each child, they are not just another body in the classroom. Nothing but positive things to say.
Read 31 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
255 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dorius Academy
Private School
LAYTON, UT
9-12
#11 Best Private High Schools in Salt Lake City Area
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
40 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Academy at Solstice
Private School
LAYTON, UT
8-12
Rating 4.5 out of 5 2 reviews
Junior: I loved my experience at the Academy at Solstice. The teachers genuinely care about the students and made the learning environment like a second home for me. I was honestly sad to leave.
Read 2 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
32 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Saint Olaf Catholic School
Private School
BOUNTIFUL, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 13 reviews
Niche User: My grandsons attend St. Olafs and I have volunteered weekly in their classes for 5 years. I am a retired school nurse and have been involved with many public schools during my career. What I love about this school are the small classes, caring teachers, parent involvement, and willingness to “go the extra mile” that I have seen in the staff. Academic test scores are consistently above district averages. I enjoy the atmosphere there when I am at the school. I love this little school!
Read 13 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
140 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ivy Hall Academy
Private School
PROVO, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 9 reviews
Parent: My daughter was enrolled at Ivy Hall about two years ago and it has been the best experience. Ivy Hall has exceeded all of our expectations. Everyday when my daughter comes home she has so many things to tell us all about her day and the various things she has learned. As a parent it truly feels so good knowing that your child is in a happy, safe and engaging environment everyday. Our daughter’s confidence has grown exponentially ever since attending Ivy Hall. The small class size is wonderful as it ensures that every child receives the individual attention that they require. I also love that ivy hall focuses on community projects. It always has the children looking outward at their communities and trying to understand how they can help with issues that exist worldwide as well as in their own communities. In short, Ivy Hall is the best! We have absolutely loved every aspect of our experience with them thus far.
Read 9 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
116 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 4 out of 5 8 reviews
Parent: I have one graduate of JE Cosgriff and one current student. Our experience has been nothing short of amazing. The teachers are not only invested in your students academic success but also your students character development. The individual needs of each child are always considered. The administration is supportive, enthusiastic and treats students with respect.
My oldest has continued to Judge Memorial and has been highly prepared for the academic rigor of high school.
Read 8 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
400 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Meridian School
Private School
SPRINGVILLE, UT
7-12
Rating 3.75 out of 5 4 reviews
Niche User: Students get a lot of personal attention since the school is small, but for the same reason there isn't a lot variety in the electives. The curriculum is challenging and the teachers are excellent! The school is well known by the colleges as a good college prep school and they love students from this school.
Read 4 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
422 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The McGillis School
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
K-8
Rating 4.64 out of 5 11 reviews
Parent: As we were considering moving across the country for jobs in Utah, an important priority for us was finding a school that would nurture and support our children, and would provide a community for us as a family. Our visit day at McGillis sealed the deal, and we have not looked back.

When you enter the hallways of McGillis, you know it is different. There is a celebration of each child as a unique individual, and an investment in each child to be their very best selves. Just as importantly, there is a prioritization of the community (the kehilah), which teaches our children to think beyond themselves. As we have pivoted to COVID, the “value” of McGillis has never been clearer. Our children have benefited greatly from in-person education, and we felt incredibly confident with the safety measures and the transparent communication during this time. We are new to The McGillis School, but we already consider ourselves “Forever Magpies”!
Read 11 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
424 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Realms of Inquiry Private School
Private School
TAYLORSVILLE, UT
6-12
Rating 4.67 out of 5 3 reviews
Parent: I can not say enough about our experience with Realms! My son has been at Realms for 5 years and my daughter for 2 years and in that time they have grown so much as people. Realms has given them the opportunity to find their voices and challenge themselves beyond what they thought he could ever do. They have been able to create projects, travel to other countries, develop genuine friendships, learn what it means to be held accountable, and finally love learning and school! As a teacher myself, I hope to see schools like Realms of Inquiry become more common. Without the dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring teachers, Realms would not be what it is! We feel so fortunate to have found Realms of Inquiry!
Read 3 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
25 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oakgrove School
Private School
OGDEN, UT
7-12
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Alum: Oakgrove is a life saver! The staff and peers really push you to graduate and learn! Without oakgrove I wouldn't have graduated high school.
Read 1 Review
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
39 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. John the Baptist Elementary School
Private School
DRAPER, UT
PK, K-5
Rating 4.33 out of 5 3 reviews
Parent: A very good school allowing students to develop their skills that they are interested in. Parent involvement is good as a result they get to know the teachers, school environment and fellow parents. Religious studies are included in the curriculum but is more focused on building good values and character which would definitely help the students be better citizens.
Read 3 Reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
577 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Challenger School - Sandy
Private School
SANDY, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 1 out of 5 2 reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
534 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Challenger School - Traverse Mountain
Private School
LEHI, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 4 out of 5 1 review
Parent: Our kids have gone here for years. They seem to have a good, solid curriculum which keeps kids 1-2 years above grade level. It's expensive but hey, what better investment than in your children, right? We previously had our kids in public school for a short time and then in a different, independent private school in a nearby city but we decided to back to Challenger. We've only had a few problems at this school, mainly a couple of issues with individual teachers, but nothing you wouldn't find at any elementary school. They seem very enthusiastic and generally upbeat about their program and the progress of the students. I'm confident that they have the children's best interests in mind. Because it is private, there are not a lot of extracurricular activities or social events but that's alright with us. The lunch service is handled by an outside catering company which is expensive ($6 per student/ per day) which really adds up.
Read 1 Review
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
462 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Challenger School - Salt Lake
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Parent: Great school and great location! Provides wonderful learning opportunities to all students. Safe campus.
Read 1 Review
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
457 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Madeleine Choir School
Private School
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews
Parent: There is no other school like the Choir School. Academics and music are the foundation, but students are taught character. More importantly, they demonstrate it in the classroom, on the playground, by the respect they demonstrate towards their teachers and their personal caretaking of the building itself. The students encourage one another, and provided opportunities to practice accountability and responsibility as early as the elementary grades. We have a 20-minute commute but it is absolutely worth it! We have tried a couple other schools in Davis County, but no other school compares to the Madeleine Choir School.
Read 2 Reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
405 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
Private School
OGDEN, UT
PK, K-8
Rating 4.78 out of 5 9 reviews
Parent: My Son graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 2017 after attending the elementary school since Kindergarten. I have a Son currently attending St. Joseph Catholic Elementary school now and has been there since Kindergarten. He will be starting up at the High School next year. I can honestly say, my boys are the people they are today because of the amazing education they received and are continuing to receive from the St. Joseph schools. The administration, faculty and staff care so much about the students and will do anything to make sure they receive a quality education. The thing that has impressed me the most this past year is that they have been able to stay open since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Which many schools in the area have not been able to do. They have done everything in their power to keep the students safe and IN school! If you are considering a private school for your child you should consider this outstanding school.
Read 9 Reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
358 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Covenant Life School
Private School
GAITHERSBURG, MD
PK, K-12
Rating 4.39 out of 5 38 reviews
Parent: We transferred our children to CLS early in the Pandemic from MCPS to receive in-person schooling so we can continue to work. The amount of dedication and selflessness the staff and teachers displayed during this challenging and stressful time was a testament to their pride in their work and love of God.
The quality in the schooling is good. Cursive, hand writing, language arts and grammar were deficient in the public schools and I was grateful that it is emphasized here. There was a lot of catching up for my kids! Living a life of good character is discussed regularly.
My older child’s math did not grow much this year but it was because he was in accelerated math and this is not available at the school. I hope this can change.

We are keeping both our children in this school this coming year.
Read 38 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
284 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Bartholomew Catholic School
Private School
BETHESDA, MD
PK, K-8
Rating 4.57 out of 5 28 reviews
Parent: My son is in third grade at St. Bart's. We moved from an independent Catholic school and the change in his self-confidence was obvious right away. Class size is small, my son has a homeroom teacher and additional teachers for Spanish, Music, PE, library and computer lab. Although we don't need extra help in the classroom, I know resources are available for kids who have different challenges. Extracurriculars are provided through CYO or private companies and include chess, sports, science, robotics. The school body is small and teachers know all the kids by name. Recess is well supervised, and aftercare is fun. Hot lunch is catered and the caterer offers reasonably balanced meals. Uniform is easy, no jacket for the little guys in lower school! We'd love to see more after school activities being offered to the kids.
Read 28 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
185 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bishop McNamara High School
Private School
FORESTVILLE, MD
9-12
Rating 4.15 out of 5 334 reviews
Senior: My high school experience at Bishop Mcnamara, I see as a privledge . Being able to come up with the finances and tools to experience a private school education is one I see now as a great investment and amazing oppurtunity. Each day when I walk into Bishop Mcnamara I am greeted with a smile, a how are you doing or a pat on the back from my administration or a staff member. I am constantly challenged to think and push myself through my variety of AP, college prep and honors courses. The challenge and love doesn't stop in the classroom. Involved in every single dance art possible, my plate is definitely a full one. But I see that my school sees art as an importance to me, so they make it a priority to be of importance to them. I am thankful for Bishop Mcnamara and how it has shaped me as a individual, performer of the arts and as a student. I strongly believe the tools I have gained have prepared me for school after I leave this institution and then some!
Read 334 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
841 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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