Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private High Schools in Salt Lake City
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private High Schools in Salt Lake City
Direct Answer
The Best Overall private high school in the Salt Lake City area is Rowland Hall, an independent, college-preparatory school in Salt Lake City whose rigorous Advanced Placement and inquiry-based curriculum, near-100% college matriculation, and small classes make it the metro's most complete private option.
The Best Value pick is Judge Memorial Catholic High School, a downtown Catholic school that delivers strong college-prep academics, a deep AP catalog, and a service-driven community at tuition well below the secular independents. This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across the Salt Lake City metro, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from school profiles, U.S. News, Niche, and Utah accreditation sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families tell admissions offices they actually care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, school profiles, and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB) - 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes - 20%
- Value and cost - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and safety - 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit - 10%
A school that posts strong scores but offers thin programs, or wins on reputation but graduates few into selective colleges, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Rowland Hall 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private (Independent, Episcopal heritage) | Tuition: ~$28,000–$30,000 | Best for: Families wanting the metro's deepest independent college-prep academics
Founded in 1867, Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City is Utah's premier independent school, enrolling roughly 300 students in its Upper School. Rowland Hall posts near-100% four-year college matriculation, a rigorous AP and advanced-topics curriculum, and an average class size around 15.
The school is known for inquiry-based teaching, a strong ethics and outdoor-education program, and competitive debate, robotics, and ski racing. Graduates regularly enroll at the University of Utah, the Ivies, and top liberal-arts colleges. Its student-teacher ratio near 8:1 supports seminar-style learning.
Pros:
- Near-100% four-year college matriculation
- Rigorous AP and advanced-topics curriculum
- Small classes and seminar-style teaching
- Strong outdoor education and ethics programming
Cons:
- Highest tuition among Salt Lake private schools
- Competitive, selective admission
Verdict: Rowland Hall wins on balance - the deepest independent academics in the metro with outcomes to match.
2. Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Type: Private (Catholic) | Tuition: ~$13,000–$15,000 | Best for: Families wanting strong Catholic college-prep at an accessible price 💎 BEST VALUE
Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City enrolls about 750 students and is the metro's flagship Catholic school. Judge posts a graduation rate near 99% with near-universal four-year college enrollment, a deep AP catalog, and strong athletics, theater, and service programs.
Its faith-based, service-driven community and broad financial aid make elite college-prep accessible at roughly half the tuition of the secular independents, earning it our best-value pick.
Pros:
- Near-99% graduation and college enrollment
- Deep AP catalog at accessible tuition
- Strong athletics, theater, and service programs
- Broad financial aid availability
Cons:
- Catholic identity may not fit all families
- Larger classes than the small independents
Verdict: The value champion - strong Catholic college-prep and community at well below independent-school tuition.
3. The Waterford School
Type: Private (Independent) | Tuition: ~$26,000–$29,000 | Best for: Families seeking a classical, arts-rich liberal-arts education
The Waterford School in Sandy enrolls roughly 300 Upper School students and is known for its classical, liberal-arts curriculum with a strong emphasis on the fine and performing arts. Waterford posts near-100% four-year college matriculation, small classes, and a distinctive integrated humanities and music program - many students study an instrument as part of the core curriculum.
Graduates enroll at selective universities and conservatories nationwide. The student-teacher ratio near 8:1 supports close mentorship.
Pros:
- Near-100% four-year college matriculation
- Distinctive classical and arts-integrated curriculum
- Small classes and close mentorship
- Strong music and performing-arts emphasis
Cons:
- Classical focus may not suit STEM-only students
- High tuition with selective admission
Verdict: The arts-and-classics standout - ideal for families wanting a humanities-rich liberal-arts education.
4. Juan Diego Catholic High School
Type: Private (Catholic) | Tuition: ~$11,000–$13,000 | Best for: South-valley Catholic families wanting strong academics and athletics
Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper enrolls about 750 students on the Skaggs Catholic Center campus and is a south-valley Catholic standout. Juan Diego posts a graduation rate near 99%, strong AP participation, and near-universal college enrollment. The school's athletics programs are among the most successful in Utah, and its modern facilities, service emphasis, and accessible tuition make it a strong value for Catholic families south of the city.
Pros:
- Near-99% graduation and college enrollment
- Among the most successful athletics programs in Utah
- Modern campus and facilities
- Accessible Catholic-school tuition
Cons:
- Catholic identity may not fit all families
- Less arts specialization than the independents
Verdict: A south-valley Catholic powerhouse - strong academics and elite athletics at accessible tuition.
5. Intermountain Christian School
Type: Private (Christian) | Tuition: ~$10,000–$12,000 | Best for: Families wanting a faith-based, college-prep Christian education
Intermountain Christian School in Salt Lake City enrolls about 400 students across grades and offers a college-prep Christian curriculum with small classes and a close-knit community. The Upper School posts strong college matriculation, solid AP and honors offerings, and a faith-integrated academic program.
Its athletics and worship-arts programs are well regarded, and accessible tuition makes faith-based college prep attainable for many families.
Pros:
- Strong college matriculation
- Faith-integrated college-prep curriculum
- Small classes and close community
- Accessible Christian-school tuition
Cons:
- Smaller AP catalog than the top independents
- Christian identity may not fit all families
Verdict: A solid faith-based option - college-prep academics and community at accessible tuition.
6. Realms of Inquiry
Type: Private (Independent) | Tuition: ~$15,000–$18,000 | Best for: Students who thrive in a small, individualized, project-based setting
Realms of Inquiry in Salt Lake City is a small independent school enrolling roughly 120 students and known for highly individualized, project-based learning and strong support for twice-exceptional and creative students. The school posts solid college matriculation, an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio, and a flexible, mentorship-driven model.
Its small size lets teachers tailor pacing and projects to each student.
Pros:
- Highly individualized, project-based model
- Exceptionally low student-teacher ratio
- Strong support for twice-exceptional students
- Flexible, mentorship-driven curriculum
Cons:
- Limited large-school extracurriculars and athletics
- Smaller AP catalog
Verdict: The individualized-learning specialist - ideal for students who need a tailored, small-school environment.
7. McGillis School (Upper Grades)
Type: Private (Independent) | Tuition: ~$24,000–$27,000 | Best for: Families wanting a progressive, values-driven independent education
The McGillis School in Salt Lake City is an independent school known for its progressive, social-justice-oriented curriculum and strong arts integration. While historically a K-8 school, McGillis families value its small classes, values-driven culture, and strong placement into the metro's top high schools and beyond.
The low student-teacher ratio and project-based approach build strong academic foundations and independent thinking.
Pros:
- Progressive, values-driven curriculum
- Strong arts integration
- Small classes and low student-teacher ratio
- Strong placement into top high schools
Cons:
- Historically focused on lower and middle grades
- Smaller athletics offerings
Verdict: A progressive independent standout - ideal for families prioritizing values and individualized learning.
8. Salt Lake Christian Academy
Type: Private (Christian) | Tuition: ~$8,000–$10,000 | Best for: Families wanting affordable faith-based college prep
Salt Lake Christian Academy in Salt Lake City enrolls a few hundred students across grades and offers an affordable, faith-based college-prep curriculum with small classes and a tight community. The Upper School posts solid college matriculation and offers honors coursework, athletics, and worship arts.
Its accessible tuition makes Christian college prep attainable for budget-conscious families.
Pros:
- Affordable faith-based tuition
- Small classes and tight community
- Solid college matriculation
- Honors coursework and athletics
Cons:
- Smaller AP catalog than top independents
- Christian identity may not fit all families
Verdict: The affordability pick among faith-based schools - solid college prep at the lowest tuition tier.
9. Mount Vernon Academy
Type: Private (Christian, college-prep) | Tuition: ~$9,000–$11,000 | Best for: Families wanting a structured, small college-prep environment
Mount Vernon Academy in Murray is a small private college-prep school offering structured academics, honors and AP-level coursework, and a close-knit community. The school posts solid college matriculation, low class sizes, and a faith-rooted, disciplined culture.
Its accessible tuition and individualized attention make it a strong fit for families wanting structure and support.
Pros:
- Structured, disciplined academic culture
- Honors and AP-level coursework
- Small classes and individualized attention
- Accessible tuition
Cons:
- Limited large-school extracurriculars
- Smaller program breadth than top independents
Verdict: A structured small-school option - strong support and college prep at accessible tuition.
10. Carden Memorial School (Upper Grades)
Type: Private (Independent, Carden Method) | Tuition: ~$10,000–$13,000 | Best for: Families wanting a traditional, structured Carden-Method education
Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City uses the Carden Method, a traditional, language-centered curriculum emphasizing reading, writing, and reasoning. Known for strong academic fundamentals, small classes, and a disciplined environment, Carden families value its rigorous foundation and strong placement into the metro's top high schools and beyond.
The low student-teacher ratio supports close instruction.
Pros:
- Traditional, language-centered Carden curriculum
- Strong academic fundamentals
- Small classes and low student-teacher ratio
- Disciplined, structured environment
Cons:
- Traditional model may not suit all learners
- Limited high-school-level extracurriculars
Verdict: A traditional-fundamentals standout - ideal for families wanting a rigorous, structured foundation.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School
- College matriculation and outcomes - A school sending nearly all graduates to four-year colleges signals consistent results; ask for the actual matriculation list, not just the headline rate.
- AP/IB depth and rigor - Look beyond course counts to how students perform on exams and where they place in college.
- Tuition, aid, and value - Catholic and Christian schools often deliver strong outcomes at half the independent-school tuition; ask about financial aid early.
- Class size and faculty - Low student-teacher ratios and stable, credentialed faculty matter more than building age or marketing.
- Mission and culture fit - A faith-based, classical, or progressive mission shapes daily life; visit and confirm it fits your family's values.
- Program fit - A classical arts program at Waterford or an individualized model at Realms may serve a specific student far better than a higher overall ranking.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's ranking number, its newest building, or tuition alone. Fit, program access, and a supportive teacher relationship affect a student's outcome far more than a single headline figure.
FAQ
Which private high school is the best overall in Salt Lake City? Rowland Hall earns the top spot for its rigorous AP and inquiry-based curriculum, near-100% college matriculation, and small classes, making it the metro's most complete independent college-prep school.
What is the best value private high school in the Salt Lake City area? Judge Memorial Catholic High School is our best value - it delivers a deep AP catalog and near-universal college enrollment at roughly half the tuition of the secular independents, with broad financial aid.
Which Salt Lake City private school is best for the arts? The Waterford School stands out for its classical, arts-integrated curriculum, with many students studying music as part of the core and strong placement into universities and conservatories.
How much does private high school cost in Salt Lake City? Tuition ranges widely - roughly $8,000–$11,000 at Christian schools like Salt Lake Christian and Mount Vernon, $11,000–$15,000 at Catholic schools like Juan Diego and Judge, and $24,000–$30,000 at independents like Rowland Hall and Waterford.
Do Salt Lake City private high schools offer financial aid? Yes - most, including Rowland Hall, Judge Memorial, Juan Diego, and Waterford, offer need-based financial aid; ask each admissions office about availability and deadlines early.
Is a Catholic or independent school better in Salt Lake City? Both are excellent - independents like Rowland Hall and Waterford offer the deepest academics and smallest classes, while Catholic schools like Judge and Juan Diego deliver strong college prep and community at accessible tuition; the right fit depends on your family's values and budget.
Bottom Line
For Salt Lake City families, Rowland Hall is our Best Overall private high school - its rigorous curriculum, near-100% college matriculation, and small classes set the standard. Judge Memorial Catholic High School is our Best Value, delivering strong college prep and a service-driven community at well below independent-school tuition.
If your priority is a classical arts education or an individualized small-school setting, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Waterford or Realms of Inquiry instead. Choose on mission fit, outcomes, and access - not a single ranking number - and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Utah High Schools rankings
- Niche - Best Private High Schools in the Salt Lake City Area
- GreatSchools - Salt Lake City private school ratings
- Rowland Hall - school profile and college matriculation
- Judge Memorial Catholic High School
- The Waterford School
- Juan Diego Catholic High School
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics private school search
- College Board - AP program data
*Private high schools in Salt Lake City review - best private high schools Salt Lake City, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*