Top 10 Private High Schools in Salt Lake City in 2027

1. Rowland Hall

Rowland Hall ranks first because it delivers the deepest independent college-preparatory academics in the Salt Lake City metro, with a near-100% four-year college matriculation rate. Its rigorous Advanced Placement and advanced-topics curriculum, average class size around 15, and student-teacher ratio near 8:1 support seminar-style learning. Founded in 1867, the Upper School enrolls roughly 300 students. Graduates regularly attend the University of Utah, Ivy League schools, and top liberal-arts colleges.

This school is for families seeking the metro's most complete academic experience and willing to pay the highest tuition, approximately $28,000–$30,000. It trades away affordability and a non-competitive admission process for unmatched rigor and outcomes. Compared to Judge Memorial Catholic High School below, Rowland Hall offers smaller classes and deeper independent academics, but at more than double the tuition and with a more selective admission bar.

2. Judge Memorial Catholic High School

Judge Memorial ranks second as the best value in the metro, pairing a near-99% graduation rate and near-universal four-year college enrollment with a deep AP catalog. Tuition runs roughly $13,000–$15,000, about half the cost of the secular independents, while the school enrolls approximately 750 students. Its faith-based, service-driven community and broad financial aid make elite college-prep accessible. Strong athletics, theater, and service programs round out the offering.

This school is for families wanting strong Catholic college-prep at an accessible price, though its Catholic identity may not fit everyone. It trades away the small class sizes and independent-school prestige of Rowland Hall for a larger community and significant cost savings. Compared to Rowland Hall above, Judge Memorial offers a wider array of extracurriculars and a more inclusive environment, but with larger classes and a less selective academic profile.

3. The Waterford School

The Waterford School ranks third for its distinctive classical, liberal-arts curriculum with a strong fine and performing arts emphasis, including required instrumental music study for many students. It posts a near-100% four-year college matriculation rate, with roughly 300 Upper School students and a student-teacher ratio near 8:1. The integrated humanities and music program supports close mentorship and selective university and conservatory placement. Tuition is approximately $26,000–$29,000.

This school is for families prioritizing a humanities-rich, arts-integrated education over a STEM-focused track. It trades away broad STEM specialization and some athletic breadth for its classical focus and artistic depth. Compared to Judge Memorial above, Waterford offers smaller classes and a more distinctive academic identity, but at nearly double the tuition and with a more selective admission process that may not suit all learners.

4. Juan Diego Catholic High School

Juan Diego Catholic High School ranks fourth as a south-valley Catholic powerhouse, with a graduation rate near 99% and near-universal college enrollment. Located in Draper on the Skaggs Catholic Center campus, it enrolls about 750 students and offers strong AP participation. Its athletics programs are among the most successful in Utah, supported by modern facilities and a service emphasis. Tuition is accessible at roughly $11,000–$13,000.

This school is for south-valley Catholic families wanting strong academics and elite athletics at an affordable price. It trades away the arts specialization of The Waterford School for a broader, more traditional Catholic program. Compared to Waterford above, Juan Diego offers a larger student body, more successful sports teams, and lower tuition, but with less arts integration and a faith-based identity that may not fit all families.

5. Intermountain Christian School

Intermountain Christian School ranks fifth for its faith-integrated college-prep curriculum, small classes, and close-knit community, with strong college matriculation. The Upper School, part of a school enrolling about 400 students across grades, offers solid AP and honors offerings. Its athletics and worship-arts programs are well regarded, and accessible tuition of roughly $10,000–$12,000 makes Christian college prep attainable. The school is located in Salt Lake City.

This school is for families wanting a faith-based, college-prep Christian education at a moderate price. It trades away the larger AP catalog and athletic success of Juan Diego Catholic High School for a smaller, more intimate community. Compared to Juan Diego above, Intermountain Christian offers a more personalized environment and lower tuition, but with fewer course offerings and less extensive extracurricular programs.

6. Realms of Inquiry

Realms of Inquiry ranks sixth for its highly individualized, project-based learning model and exceptionally low student-teacher ratio, with solid college matriculation. Enrolling roughly 120 students in Salt Lake City, it offers strong support for twice-exceptional and creative students. The flexible, mentorship-driven curriculum lets teachers tailor pacing and projects to each student. Tuition is approximately $15,000–$18,000.

This school is for students who thrive in a small, individualized setting and need tailored support, but it trades away large-school extracurriculars and athletics. Compared to Intermountain Christian School above, Realms offers a more flexible, non-religious model and even smaller classes, but at a higher tuition and with a smaller AP catalog. It is best for families prioritizing personalized learning over traditional high school experiences.

7. The McGillis School

The McGillis School ranks seventh for its progressive, social-justice-oriented curriculum and strong arts integration, with small classes and a low student-teacher ratio. While historically a K-8 school, its values-driven culture builds strong academic foundations and independent thinking. Tuition is approximately $24,000–$27,000, and the school is located in Salt Lake City. Families value its strong placement into the metro's top high schools and beyond.

This school is for families wanting a progressive, values-driven independent education, but it trades away a traditional high school program and larger athletics offerings. Compared to Realms of Inquiry above, McGillis offers a more structured progressive curriculum and a stronger arts focus, but at a higher tuition and with less flexibility for individualized pacing. It is best for families prioritizing social justice and arts integration over a conventional high school experience.

8. Salt Lake Christian Academy

Salt Lake Christian Academy ranks eighth as the affordability pick among faith-based schools, with tuition of roughly $8,000–$10,000. It offers a faith-based college-prep curriculum with small classes, a tight community, and solid college matriculation. The Upper School provides honors coursework, athletics, and worship arts, enrolling a few hundred students across grades. The school is located in Salt Lake City.

This school is for budget-conscious families wanting affordable Christian college prep, but it trades away a larger AP catalog and more extensive extracurriculars. Compared to The McGillis School above, Salt Lake Christian Academy offers a faith-based environment and significantly lower tuition, but with a less progressive curriculum and smaller program breadth. It is best for families prioritizing cost and religious identity over academic specialization.

9. Mount Vernon Academy

Mount Vernon Academy ranks ninth for its structured, disciplined academic culture, with honors and AP-level coursework and small classes. Located in Murray, it posts solid college matriculation and offers individualized attention within a faith-rooted environment. Tuition is accessible at roughly $9,000–$11,000, making it a strong fit for families wanting structure and support. The school's close-knit community emphasizes academic rigor.

This school is for families wanting a structured, small college-prep environment with strong support, but it trades away large-school extracurriculars and program breadth. Compared to Salt Lake Christian Academy above, Mount Vernon offers a more disciplined academic culture and honors-level coursework, but with a similar tuition range and smaller overall enrollment. It is best for families prioritizing structure and individualized attention over a wider range of activities.

10. Carden Memorial School

Carden Memorial School ranks tenth for its traditional, language-centered Carden Method curriculum, emphasizing reading, writing, and reasoning. Located in Salt Lake City, it offers strong academic fundamentals, small classes, and a disciplined environment, with a low student-teacher ratio supporting close instruction. Tuition is approximately $10,000–$13,000, and families value its rigorous foundation and strong placement into top high schools. The school focuses on upper grades within a K-8 structure.

This school is for families wanting a traditional, structured education focused on fundamentals, but it trades away high-school-level extracurriculars and a broad curriculum. Compared to Mount Vernon Academy above, Carden offers a more distinctive, language-centered method and a lower student-teacher ratio, but with a similar tuition range and less emphasis on AP-level coursework. It is best for families prioritizing rigorous academic foundations over modern program variety.

How we ranked these

We measured six weighted criteria: academic performance (AP/IB, test scores) at 25%, college outcomes at 20%, value and cost at 15%, faculty and resources at 15%, environment and safety at 15%, and extracurriculars and fit at 10%. Data came from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, school profiles, and the College Board. Schools had to balance all six; strong scores with weak programs or high tuition without outcomes dropped in rank.

We deliberately ignored anecdotal reputation, marketing claims, and unverifiable parent reviews. We also excluded factors like campus aesthetics, brand prestige, and athletic championships unless they tied directly to student outcomes. This kept the ranking objective and focused on measurable academic and post-graduate success, ensuring families could trust the results over hype.

Related questions

What is the best private high school in Salt Lake City for college prep?

Rowland Hall is the top choice for college prep, offering a rigorous AP and inquiry-based curriculum, near-100% four-year college matriculation, and an average class size of 15. Its graduates attend the University of Utah, Ivies, and top liberal-arts colleges, making it the metro's most complete independent option.

Which Salt Lake City private school offers the best value?

Judge Memorial Catholic High School is the best value, with tuition around $13,000–$15,000, a near-99% graduation rate, and near-universal college enrollment. It provides a deep AP catalog and strong service programs at roughly half the cost of secular independents, plus broad financial aid.

Are there affordable private high schools in Salt Lake City?

Yes, several schools offer tuition under $15,000. Salt Lake Christian Academy and Mount Vernon Academy range from $8,000–$11,000, while Juan Diego and Judge Memorial are $11,000–$15,000. These schools provide solid college prep and small classes at accessible prices.

What private high school in Salt Lake City is best for the arts?

The Waterford School is the arts standout, with a classical, liberal-arts curriculum emphasizing fine and performing arts. Many students study an instrument as part of core coursework, and graduates place into selective universities and conservatories nationwide.

Which Salt Lake City private school is best for STEM-focused students?

Rowland Hall is the strongest for STEM, with rigorous AP and advanced-topics courses, a near-8:1 student-teacher ratio, and strong robotics and debate programs. Its inquiry-based teaching supports deep science and math learning, preparing students for top engineering and tech programs.

Do Salt Lake City private high schools offer financial aid?

Most do, including Rowland Hall, Judge Memorial, Juan Diego, and Waterford. Aid is need-based, and families should apply early, as deadlines vary. Catholic schools like Judge and Juan Diego often have broader aid to keep tuition accessible.

Are there non-religious private high schools in Salt Lake City?

Yes, Rowland Hall (Episcopal heritage but welcomes all faiths), The Waterford School, Realms of Inquiry, and The McGillis School are independent and do not require religious affiliation. They offer diverse educational models from classical to progressive.

How do Catholic and independent schools compare in Salt Lake City?

Independents like Rowland Hall and Waterford offer the deepest academics and smallest classes, but cost $24,000–$30,000. Catholic schools like Judge and Juan Diego provide strong college prep and community at $11,000–$15,000. The choice depends on budget and values.

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.

Are there any non-religious private high schools in Salt Lake City?

Yes - Rowland Hall (Episcopal heritage but welcomes all faiths), The Waterford School, Realms of Inquiry, and The McGillis School are independent schools that do not require religious affiliation for admission.

Which private school is best for a student who needs individualized attention?

Realms of Inquiry is ideal, with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio and project-based, mentorship-driven learning. It supports twice-exceptional and creative students, offering flexibility that traditional schools may not.

What should I look for when choosing a private high school?

Focus on college matriculation lists, AP/IB performance, tuition and aid, class size, faculty stability, and mission fit. Visit schools to see if the culture matches your values, and prioritize program access over ranking numbers.

Sources

• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/utah
• https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/m/salt-lake-city-metro-area/
• https://www.greatschools.org/utah/salt-lake-city/
• https://www.rowlandhall.org/
• https://www.judgememorial.com/
• https://www.waterfordschool.org/
• https://www.juandiego.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/

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