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High School Options in Salt Lake County

By September 26, 2022November 14th, 2022Living Along The Wasatch Front, Moving to Salt Lake

A BEVY OF GOOD CHOICES

High school is a formative experience in a person’s life; full of self-discovery, increased independence, and important milestones. As well as some unavoidable awkwardness and pain. Choosing the high school your teenager attends is a big decision and can be overwhelming, especially given the vast array of options. There are more than two dozen high schools in Salt Lake County, offering a range of opportunities and programs for specific interests.

Niche Homes has supported clients with buying homes in every school district in the Salt Lake Valley. We’ve gathered first-hand accounts from students and parents from across the spectrum to inform your decision. They all share one common bit of advice–know your priorities and choose accordingly.

As much as possible, figure out what is important to your child's success and find a school that meets his or her needs.

Lisa M.

PRIORITIZE AND PLAN

What are the most important aspects of the high school experience to you and your student? Are you more compelled by academic ratings or having a tight-knit community? By the time kids reach high school age certain traits usually become apparent. Some are drawn to perform, others are natural and committed athletes, or fascinated by science. For students who are focused on a particular field or career, there is likely a high school in the Salt Lake area that caters to their specific interests. We encourage you to spend some time thinking about your hopes and values and then finding the school that best aligns with them.

Logistics are another important consideration. How will your child get to and from school, especially if it’s not nearby? Are you willing and able to pay tuition? Does the school’s schedule fit in with other family members’ schedules? It’s wise to work through the transportation and scheduling arrangements before enrolling.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Every student is entitled to a free education at their local public high school. Many families go that route and are completely satisfied with their decision. Every public high school in the Salt Lake area offers something unique, such as an International Baccalaureate program, a strong emphasis on the arts, or a diverse student body. Students are allowed to attend a high school outside of their neighborhood boundary with a special variance, which will be explained later.

In addition to the standard public high schools, there are numerous public charter schools and private schools–both religious and secular–along the Wasatch Front. Private high schools vary by price, enrollment procedures, and curriculum.

Credit: FFKR Architects

PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

Salt Lake County is divided into five school districts: Salt Lake City (SLC), Granite, Murray, Canyons, and Jordan. You can see the area for each district in the graphic below.

Each district has its own Board of Education which is elected to make decisions about the policies and procedures for the schools within the district. The Boards work with the Superintendents and administrators for their respective districts. The number and composition of high schools varies by the given population in each district; Granite School District has eight high schools while Murray has one.

Utah’s open-enrollment policy allows a student to transfer to any public school based on availability. Parents interested in enrolling their child in a different school or district other than their local school must submit an application during the open-enrollment window. For all Salt Lake County districts, this window is typically between December 1 and the third week of February.

A full-range of special education programs and related services are available from preschool to post-high school transition in all Salt Lake County School Districts. Districts work with students to develop IEP and 504 plans for class integration or special education programs.

Canyons School District High Schools

School Grades Number of Students Address
ALTA HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 2,314 11055 South 1000 East, Sandy, Utah 84094
BRIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,921 2220 E 7695 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121
CORNER CANYON HS 9-12 2,022 12943 South 700 East, Draper, UT 84020
*DIAMOND RIDGE HS 11-12 150 9800 South 800 East – Sandy, UT 84094
HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,948 7350 South 900 East, Midvale, UT 84047
JORDAN HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,964 95 Beetdigger Blvd, Sandy, UT 84070

Granite School District High Schools

School Grades Number of Students Address
COTTONWOOD HS 9-12 1,683 5715 S. 1300 E., Murray, UT 84121
CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 2,500 8623 W 3000 S, Magna, UT 84044
GRANGER HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 3,247 3580 3600 W, West Valley City, UT 84119
*GRANITE CONNECTION 9-12 402 501 E 3900 S, Millcreek, UT 84107
HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 2,600 4200 S 5600 W, West Valley City, UT 84120
KEARNS HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 2,300 5525 Cougar Lane Kearns, UT 84118
OLYMPUS HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,583 4055 S 2300 E SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84124
SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 2,044 3251 East 3760 South Salt Lake City, UT 84109
TAYLORSVILLE HS 9-12 1,863 5225 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, UT 84123

Jordan School District High Schools

School Grades Number of Students Address
BINGHAM HS 10-12 2,600 2160 S Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095
COPPER HILLS HS 10-12 2,700 5445 West 7800 South West Jordan, UT 84081
HERRIMAN HS 10-12 3,200 11917 South 6000 West Herriman, UT 84096
KING’S PEAK VIRTUAL HS 9-12 ONLINE
MOUNTAIN RIDGE HS 10-12 1,500 14100 S. Sentinel Ridge Blvd., Herriman, UT 84096
RIVERTON HS 10-12 2,230 12476 S. Silverwolf Way, Riverton, UT 84065
*VALLEY HS 7-12 133 325 11000 S, South Jordan, UT 84095
WEST JORDAN HS 10-12 1,777 8136 2700 W, West Jordan, UT 84088

Murray School District

School Grades Number of Students Address
MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL 10-12 1,500 5440 State St, Murray, UT 84107

Murray School District is the smallest school district in Salt Lake County and all of its elementary and junior high schools funnel into one high school–Murray High. Due its smaller size, and its ability to track students over time, it is known for being an approachable district with well-rounded programs.

Salt Lake City School District High Schools

School Grades Number of Students Address
EAST HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,983 840 S 1300 E Salt Lake City, UT 84102
HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 1,806 2166 S 1700 E Salt Lake City, UT 84106
WEST HIGH SCHOOL 7-12 2,729 241 N 300 W Salt Lake City, UT 84103
*HORIZONTE INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING CENTER 7-12 329 1234 Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84101
*INNOVATIONS EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 287 1700 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Public Charter Schools

Public charter schools have gained momentum over the past few decades. These schools offer the core subjects with an emphasis on a certain curriculum, such as the performing arts or STEM. They are typically smaller schools and are not tied to a specific neighborhood. According to the Utah State Board of Education:

Charter Schools are governed by independent boards and held accountable to a legally binding written contractual agreement with their authorizer. It is this charter agreement that allows for the operation of the charter school. They offer parents and students additional choices about where students attend school and the school's curricular emphasis. They allow educators freedom to try new strategies to inspire students and to experiment with innovative ways of educating students.

Utah State Board of Education

Most charter schools begin accepting applications a year in advance, usually in September. By law, charter schools are required to have a lottery if they have more applicants than spots available. However, they are allowed to divide the year into application periods, often by month. At the end of each application period, applications turned in during that month are put in a random order through a lottery process. A waitlist, if any, is then generated. A student’s chance of acceptance is based on the number of applications, the number of openings and the number of people who accept or decline an offer of enrollment. Contact your charter school of interest for details.

Salt Lake City Area Public Charter High Schools

School Curriculum Focus Grades Number of Students Address
AMES STEM 9-12 484 5715 S 1300 E, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84121
BEEHIVE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY STEM 7-12 295 2165 E 9400 S, SANDY UT 84093
CITY ACADEMY ARTS 7-12 135 555 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
REAL ACADEMY SOCCER 9-12 287 14750 South 3600 West, Herriman, UT, 84096
ROOTS FARM BASED 9-12 190 2250 South 1300 West, West Valley, UT 84119
SALT LAKE SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ARTS 9-12 287 2291 South 2000 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
SUMMIT ACADEMY ATHLETICS 9-12 530 14942 South 560 West Bluffdale, UT 84065

Top-Rated Private Schools

Salt Lake City has some exceptional private high schools for parents looking for more individualized student attention or a like-minded community. Many schools offer financial assistance and tiered tuition pricing. We recommend contacting the school for the most current tuition information.

Salt Lake Area Private High Schools

School Grades Number of Students Address
JUAN DIEGO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 763 300 E 11800 S, Draper, UT 84020
JUDGE MEMORIAL CATHOLIC HS 9-12 720 650 South 1100 East Salt Lake City, UT 84102
REALMS OF INQUIRY 7-12 39 4998 Galleria Drive, Murray, UT, 84123
ROWLAND HALL Pre-K-12 941 843 Lincoln Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
WATERFORD SCHOOL Pre-K-12 900 1480 East 9400 South Sandy, UT 84093

PRIVATE AND CHARTER SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

With its proximity to the University of Utah and BYU, Salt Lake County has some of the nation’s most progressive special-ability private, charter and public schools.

Highly regarded on state, national and international levels, the Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning provides state-of-the-art intervention for individuals with autism through the age of 21. Read more about them in our blog, A Valentine for the Pingree Autism Center. Spectrum Academy is an innovative public K-12 charter school specializing in educating students with autism and other learning needs. The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) has been serving students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind throughout Utah for more than 100 years. The Utah Deaf School ranks #1 nationwide in high school completion rates for deaf students.

OTHER OPTIONS

The choices for your child’s high school education also include virtual learning and homeschooling. If either of these options seem right for your student we recommend contacting your local school district for more information.

HERE TO HELP

When it comes to high schools, Salt Lake County is full of good options. If you’re sorting through the choices and looking for more information or guidance, reach out to us!! Our team members have students attending public, private and charter schools in neighborhoods all along the Wasatch Front. We would be happy to share our experiences and advice.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

MEET THE SCHOOLS

Quotes from Parents and Students

Brighton High School

“I have had three children attend Brighton and we have been more than pleased with our experience.”

“Brighton High School, located in Cottonwood Heights, was recently reconstructed. The new building opened in 2021 and features impressive athletic facilities, state of the art automotive and shop areas, and modern safety and technology features that surpass many schools. Brighton High offers the AP capstone program (comparable to the IB Program), as well as the opportunity to attend CTEC (Canyons Technical Education Center) where students can earn technical certificates in their areas of interest.

Incoming freshmen who have participated in language immersion programs at the elementary and middle school levels have the opportunity to take their respective AP language test at the end of their ninth grade year and can continue with their language studies to earn additional college credits.
Brighton operates on a unique trimester schedule. Students take 5 courses at a time and attend the courses daily for twelve weeks instead of an entire semester. It is the only high school in the valley that uses this schedule and the majority of the community are staunch supporters of it. Some classes, such as AP courses, are held daily for an entire year. The increased seat time may be a contributing factor to the high AP test pass rate of Brighton students. Brighton has a variety of competitive sports teams which frequently place well in championships. There is also a growing and acclaimed music program and dozens of clubs and extracurricular opportunities.

I have had three children attend Brighton and we have been more than pleased with our experience. I was able to serve as a member of the school community council for several years and through this experience I gained a greater appreciation for the administration and school board. The teachers at the school are phenomenal!”

— Lisa R. Brighton High School Parent

Skyline High School

“Our daughter is a dancer, and Skyline offers two levels of dance teams – ‘company’ and ‘ensemble’. Many high schools only have one.”

“We wanted our daughter to have the option of IB, but be close to home as well. We both work, so having a school that is close in proximity to our home is very helpful. Skyline has an exceptional academic reputation among public high schools in the state, which was also important to us. Socially, Skyline seemed like a good fit for our daughter as well.

Our daughter is a dancer, and Skyline offers two levels of dance teams – “company” and “ensemble”. Many high schools only have one. This has given her the opportunity to be in the dance ensemble and perform at football games, concerts, etc. even though she did not make the dance company.

Skyline has a highly reputable ASL program that our daughter has enjoyed. The teacher, Jody Tolley, is exceptional. There are state competitions for ASL in which Skyline participates that our daughter was able to be involved with. Skyline also offers the IB program and has great options for AP and extracurriculars. The Granite Technical Institute (GTI) expands the options available to students by offering a wide range of classes in career and technical education.”

— Lisa M. Skyline High School Parent

West High School

“West has the academic classes I was seeking, specifically the option to do the International Baccalaureate diploma and AP classes.”

“Every high school will cater to a different type of student. Explore the community, administration, teachers, classes, clubs, and sports and pick the best option for you!

West has the academic classes I was seeking, specifically the option to do the International Baccalaureate diploma and AP classes. West has a diverse culture and rich history of being a downtown Salt Lake City High School. West has an IB Career Diploma for various trades to enter into right after graduating high school.

Amongst the diverse population, one can find almost anything they need! A wide variety of sports, clubs, and languages. Clubs include robotics, key club, HOSA, Latinos in Action, Black Student Union, Arabic Honors Society, French Club, Honors Society, Chess Club, Ultimate Frisbee, dance, etc. Languages include Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish, and German.”

— Madelyn N. West High Student

West High School

“When I’m in the halls of West High, it feels like being in New York City, with greater racial and ethnic diversity than you will find nearly anywhere in the state of Utah.”

“We live in the Salt Lake City School District and have chosen to send two of our kids to West High. West is the school furthest from our home and it is the least convenient choice in terms of getting to and from school, but we were drawn to West initially for our oldest child because of the 7th /8th grade ELP program there. Our oldest daughter is now a senior at West, and one of my favorite things about the school is the diversity there.

When I’m in the halls of West High, it feels like being in New York City, with greater racial and ethnic diversity than you will find nearly anywhere in the state of Utah. I feel like West offers my kids a taste of what the world outside of Utah looks like, and my daughter’s group of friends has exposed her to different cultures, languages, and life experiences that have given her a broader perspective. West also offers one of the most robust IB (International Baccalaureate) programs in the state, it’s been an important part of West’s culture for over 30 years. The intellectual rigor of the program and the spirit of IB, which encourages curiosity, exploration and excellence, shows up in the students of West High – I’m continually impressed with the maturity, poise and intelligence of our IB students.”

— Amy J. West High School Parent

East High School

“When it comes to supporting our peers, East High students do not play around. Every sporting event is SO, SO FUN!”

“I am a sucker for school spirit and traditions! East has amazing athletic teams and a super outgoing student body. I was also intrigued by East High’s Dance Company and Dance Krew! When it comes to supporting our peers, East High students do not play around. Every sporting event is SO, SO FUN! East also has talented actors/actresses, singers, dancers, musicians and more who love to perform. So whether it’s going to a musical or dressing up for a football game, you’ll feel the excitement and support in the air!

As of 2021, East is now an AP school. You have the opportunity to graduate with an AP Diploma. As a student, you can join the Health Professions Academy. By the end of your senior year, you can work as a MA, CNA, EMT, etc. East also offers tech school classes. You can learn how to be a nail technician, barber, or dental hygienist. You can also take classes about different aspects of forensic science or law enforcement!

Equality and unity are a focus within the walls of East High. The Black Student Union, Latin X Student Union, Polynesian Academic Club, and the East Anti-Racism Society are four of many clubs offered! You can also join multiple service and mental health awareness clubs.”

— Megan G. East High School Student

Herriman High School

“The school offers many concurrent enrollment college and AP classes that have given my kids opportunities to work towards their college degrees in the high school setting.”

“Herriman High School is the feeder school for the boundaries we live in. We knew we wanted our kids to stay in a local school and after reviewing all of the high schools in our district, we felt Herriman was the best choice. Attending a school with a positive and uplifting group of peers was an important factor for our school choice.

The administration and teachers at the high school have a solid reputation for helping the students succeed and be prepared for college. The school offers many concurrent enrollment college and AP classes that have given my kids opportunities to work towards their college degrees in the high school setting. We have been very happy about our school choice at Herriman High School.”

— Kristin K. Herriman High School Parent

Murray High School

“I’ve had a chance to discover what I am passionate about and some possible career options through my time at Murray High.”

“Murray High School is a safe place for all students. The school gives each student an equal opportunity to explore their interests. I’ve had a chance to discover what I am passionate about and some possible career options through my time at Murray High.”

— Addie H. Murray High School Student

Highland High School

“I love that the kids can leave high school with an employable certificate or trade.

“One of the things that I love about Highland is that the programs are as diverse as the student body. There are programs from trades to AP and IB. I love that the kids can leave high school with an employable certificate or trade. There is something for everyone.”

— Sarah W. Highland High School Parent

Highland High School

“We also love the diversity mixed with top notch educational standards.

“Our advice is to get as involved as possible! We are particularly fans of the tennis team (it has a no-cut policy, so it’s a big inclusive group of students, and the boys and girls teams are integrated so they mutually support each other). Also the French teacher is fabulous. She’s started a French club that consists of wearing berets and eating pastries (we want to join as parents! Ha!). We also love the diversity mixed with top notch educational standards.”

— Holli Y. Highland High School Parent

Niche Homes is a full-service real estate agency specializing in Wasatch Front neighborhoods and enclaves. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a home.

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