Waterford School is Utah's premier liberal arts, college preparatory private school for students in Preschool through High School.
Student learning is Waterford School's reason for being. Since its founding, the School has instilled habits of independent thought, critical thinking, responsibility, passionate learning, and service to others.
Waterford School's liberal arts program provides a strong foundation, and the campus culture prepares students to pursue lives of meaning and purpose.
Waterford delivers a world-class education distinguished by a rich curriculum, an outstanding faculty, a deep commitment to student growth, and a learning environment that is caring, nurturing, and inspiring.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked UT School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,093 students
- Yearly Tuition: $33,540
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Waterford School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Utah for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1986
Colors
Navy Blue, Gold
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Tue. Aug 26, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 3, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
1,093 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
39%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
131 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
61%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
17 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Computer Science A, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French, AP Photography, AP Physics C, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP United States History
Average SAT score
1310
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Global Schoolwear
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$33,540
Tuition Notes
This is the average tuition cost K-12. The complete tuition schedule is at waterfordschool.org
% on Financial Aid
17%
Acceptance Rate
67%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Nicole Miranda
Admissions Associate
Avery Shrader
Endowment Size
$10 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess Team, Community Service, History Club, Literary Magazine, Math Team, Robotics Team, Science Club, Student Government, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Academy
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Outdoor Club, Ultimate Frisbee
School Notes
- School Mascot: Raven
- The Waterford School provides every student with a rich and unified educational experience that begins in pre-school and culminates fourteen years later at Commencement.
- Over the course of those many years, curiosity, a love of learning, academic abilities, and unique talents are carefully nourished until students develop into well-educated, well-rounded, and productive young adults who are prepared for college and equipped to lead happy and meaningful lives.
- The Waterford experience affects and enhances aspects of a childs life, through every stage of development. Bold, insightful teachers with impressive qualifications teach students to think clearly and critically about themselves and the world around them. Diverse subjects and a rigorous curriculum are integrated into a meaningful tapestry of knowledge. And a broad range of activities and programs, from music, theater, and dance to international travel and competitive sports, enables students to explore their interests, form lifelong friendships, and develop unique talents.
- At Waterford, these elements combine to create an environment where learning becomes an adventure rather than a chore. Where academic excellence becomes a natural byproduct of a deep passion for learning. And where academics, fine arts, sports, and social development become parts of a unified and meaningful whole.
- A message and invitation from Waterford Head of School - Andrew
Menke: I was drawn to Waterford the minute I stepped onto our
beautiful 40-acre campus. I was compelled to lead Waterford after
speaking to the students and faculty who bring life to our
buildings. The joy of learning is evident in every conversation and
classroom at Waterford. Each day, students are challenged,
stretched and supported by their peers and teachers as they dive
deeply into a challenging liberal arts curriculum.At Waterford,
students are asked to think critically, to take risks, and to
pursue their passions in a safe and supportive environment.
Our students take full advantage of the breadth of programs offered at Waterford; it is not uncommon to see a student toting a cello and lacrosse stick across the main quad, or the captain of the robotics team performing in the spring ballet.From the first day of preschool to commencement, Waterford`s well-crafted vertical curriculum weaves diverse subjects into a meaningful educational journey that prepares students for higher education and an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. Academics, fine arts, and athletics, however, are only part of the Waterford experience. Waterford is committed to the social and ethical development of its students, to developing habits not only of the mind, but of the heart. At Waterford, learning is accompanied by the responsibility to live a life dedicated to the improvement of self and others.
Waterford is a community of students, faculty, and parents. Here, learning occurs in the context of others, where ideas, thoughts, and voices are shared and exchanged. Every member of our community is valued as an independent thinker. Our extraordinary faculty are instrumental in guiding student learning and empowering students to become their own best teachers. The dynamic partnership between faculty and students enables our students to achieve academic excellence and develop a lifelong passion for knowledge.I encourage you to truly experience this transformational learning community by paying avisitto our school. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Waterford School cost?
The Waterford School's tuition is approximately $33,540 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Waterford School?
The acceptance rate of The Waterford School is 67%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. The Waterford School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Utah with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The Waterford School offer?
The Waterford School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is The Waterford School's ranking?
The Waterford School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Utah for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Waterford School?
The application deadline for The Waterford School is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 10/6/2018
The Waterford School has been an incredible place of learning for our daughters. When looking for a school, my husband and I were looking for small class sizes, academic rigor, specific academic support, and the ability to educate the "whole" student. The Waterford experience has been truly amazing for us. We have daughters that are thriving academically and socially, who are progressing in areas where they had been struggling, who are self-confident, and enthusiastic about their love of learning and their school community.
5 5/20/2016
As we began the search for an alternative to our public school, we were blown away by the curriculum, test scores, and accomplishments of the Waterford School and their students. What sealed the deal was our first visit to campus. The students were happy, engaged, and enjoying the learning process. Eleven years later, with both our children in high school, we can say with conviction that enrolling them in Waterford is the best thing we have ever provided for them. Each new year our children have seized the opportunities and challenges presented to them by the amazing Waterford faculty. As our oldest has started the college selection process, we are confident, and more importantly he is confident, that he is fully prepared for college. We are so thankful for all that Waterford has provided for our family.
5 5/17/2016
We have two children ages 10 and 11 and strongly recommend the Waterford School to parents searching for the best school for their family. When we relocated from the Bay Area in California, Waterford stood out to us as by far the best private school in the Salt Lake Valley and we believe that Waterford compares favorably to top private schools anywhere in the country. Our children are very happy at Waterford and, as parents, there is nothing better than having happy children. The variety of enriching experiences our children have at Waterford is remarkable, but when asked what they love most about Waterford, our children quickly said in unison, 'the teachers!" We agree. The teachers at Waterford seem to be able to find what is unique and special about each child and bring out what is best in them. We feel lucky to have our children learning and growing in such an amazing environment.
5 5/17/2016
We couldn't be happier with our decision to send our children to Waterford! Having looked at EVERY private school from downtown SLC, to American Fork and our neighborhood public school, I can honestly say I have done my homework! Waterford offers something for everyone, and it's community is more diverse than any other school I''ve seen in Utah.
Our family made the decision for our twins to attend Waterford when they were in 2nd grade (they are now in Middle School). They have been able to challenge our over achieving child, while assist our once struggling child with caring and attentive classroom help, wonderful tutors and overall plans for their success. The bandwidth of knowledge and experience with the Faculty is beyond impressive (just take a look at the Faculty Profiles) and you can't help but know that the payoffs for our kids FAR outweigh the financial sacrifice many of us make.
5 5/17/2016
Waterford is a special place. The breadth and depth of education and experiences students receive impresses me every time I visit the school -- year after year. We chose Waterford in 2002 and believe it's one of the best decisions we''ve made as parents. We relocated from Colorado, having never been to Utah. Over the years we''ve had job opportunities in a few of the western states. After visiting other independent schools, we felt so strongly about the education received and time spent at Waterford, that we''ve chosen to stay put...because of Waterford. Our sons have an enthusiasm about a variety of subjects: Latin, AP Chemistry, Orchestra, Chinese, Human Geography, Robotics, Science, Crew, P.E., etc, and I could go on. The faculty are dedicated educators, incredibly skilled and passionate about the subjects they teach and the sports they coach. Our sons are truly life-long learners and are better, more complete, and on their way to wholeness as human beings because of their Waterford education. I encourage any family to schedule a campus tour and see if the school is a good fit for their student(s).
5 5/17/2016
This is an exceptional school. I''ve had my son here since he was just 3 years old. He has learned things I could have and would have never thought to teach him at such a tender age. He is now 5, and has a "homeroom", but yet moves from class to class as though he is a "big kid". His favorite is the science lab, although he loves computer class, art class, music, dance, etc. He can read, write and complete math problems well beyond a preschool level. He will be in kindergarten next year. I believe Waterford sets itself apart because despite the fact that most students here are able to read, write and complete math problems beyond their grade level...this school realizes eventually all students, no matter what school they attend, will learn the basics; It's all kinds of other subjects in life that need to be explored and taught. Waterford is the best school in Utah. I cannot be happier for my son.
5 5/13/2016
After moving from the East Coast to Utah eight years ago, we were looking at private schools and received the recommendation of Waterford from a colleague whose sons had attended from Preschool through Upper School graduation. When the time came for our daughter to start school, we enrolled her in Waterford's preschool class, and could not have made a better decision for our family. That daughter is now enjoying first grade, our younger daughter is currently in PreK-4, and we look forward to our son starting preschool in a year. In making our decision, we visited other schools in the area, and talked with families of children at those schools and also those at Waterford. It was important for us to find a school that offered a diverse group of students and families, with a challenging academic environment, that also cared for each student and fostered individual growth. Waterford has surpassed our expectations in every way. The students are remarkable, and are consistently raising the bar for one another. The qualifications and experiences the teachers bring to the classroom are outstanding. The administration sets an enthusiastic tone for the school and demonstrates genuine care for each student and family. Finally, the campus reminiscent of the New England campuses we enjoyed provides a beautiful and safe environment for our children to learn. There is certainly more than one path to a great education, but for our family Waterford has absolutely been the right choice, and we feel so fortunate to be a part of its community.
5 5/12/2016
Waterford School is truly an experience. The school has done a fantastic job blending academic rigor and exploratory learning and has created an environment that cultivates development of the whole child. Yes, the school is an investment, but in our experience over almost 13 years we've seen first hand how children thrive at Waterford School in a way they simply couldn't anywhere else.
5 2/26/2016
I find myself reflecting positively on my Waterford education almost daily. I called my parents last week, more than 10 years post graduation, to thank them again for caring so much about giving me a quality education. Waterford taught me to love learning, and I still do. My education has and will continue to benefit me for life.
5 2/24/2016
I want to share my view of the Waterford School as both an alumnus and a parent. I attended Waterford from 3rd grade through 12th grade. The experience changed my life. I was struggling immensely in massive classes at my local public school. When I graduate from Waterford I went to college on scholarship, and I received a master of science degree and PhD from the top programs in my field. I honestly believe I would not be where I am had it not been for Waterford. The small classes, the liberal arts curriculum, the creativity that is encouraged, the committed faculty, and perhaps most important, the drive and work ethic I gained there have made me successful. I believe in it so much that we moved my family near the school so my children can easily participate in all it has to offer. It is already making a huge difference for my son, and I look forward to what it can do for my other son when he starts school. Even though it is a sacrifice financially for us, it is worth every penny. Nothing is better to invest in than our children, and this is the most secure investment in them I know.
5 1/19/2016
My parents were always believers in the power of education to change a person's life. I remember when I asked them about it, wondering if they'd feel like they wasted their time and treasure if I became a truck driver. They responded they'd be thrilled, because they would have given me all the tools I needed to make that decision for myself. And I'd be the best-educated truck driver I could be.
With that in mind, in 1992, my parents enrolled me, as a 7th grader, in The Waterford School. I attended until graduation in 1997 and it was, truly, a transformative experience. I was always a good student, but, at Waterford, I learned how to be an independent student. I learned more than the right answer, but ways to find it by myself. I became more confident, both academically and socially. The faculty truly understood me and knew how to push me in all the right ways. Because of my experiences with small classes, and relationships with teachers, I learned both content and life skills I treasure to this day.
The Waterford School is a beautiful, rigorous place that wants every student to succeed. Just as important, however, the faculty and administration knows what success means for every student, and that those meanings are never the same. Its liberal arts foundation pushes students to develop their whole intellect--physical, mental, and social. It builds the foundation for deep, meaningful success in all walks of life. As I look at my fellow classmates, they have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, professors, stay-at-home parents, and everything in between. Waterford gave them the skills needed to pursue those careers, and the ability to know themselves well enough to know these professions were their callings. I cannot think of a truer measure of a school's purpose.
5 1/19/2016
As an alumni of The Waterford School, I feel I was given much more than a solid education. I had an incredible experience for my learning and personal development. I spent each day in a safe and encouraging environment building rich and lasting relationships with family, friends, genuine faculty and administrative staff that I am still in touch with 20 years after my graduation. Waterford cares more about the individual student, their personal passions and what drives them, than fitting the student into a mold. I can truly say Waterford helped shape who I am today and how I see myself and others. This is why I now send my kids to Waterford.
Ben
5 12/7/2015
Admittedly I was skeptical about private school when I first started looking into it. I created my list of "tough questions" and was ready to find the system and schools weakness. I started looking into Waterford two years prior to my son starting Kindergarten. I started reaching out to the Admissions team and threw my questions at them. Each question was seen as valid and worthwhile of a thoughtful answer. They took the time to answer my questions promptly and thoroughly. After my initial questions were answered, I decided to go and take a tour of the school during one of their open houses. I was sure this was where I would find the school's weakness and expose the reason why it just wasn't going to work for us. I presented my final question and sure enough, they answered it thoroughly and thoughtfully and I had nothing left as to why this school wasn't going to work out.
Since my initial inquiry, I now have two children at Waterford and soon a third. From the Administrative team to the faculty to the recess and lunch staff, my expectations not only have been met but have been greatly exceeded. I have found a wonderful community of supportive families and a school that really puts children first with their whole development: character, academic, emotional and physical. I love the specialists that teach them science, art, music and dance in experiential, hands on ways.
Waterford continues to be a place where I can ask tough questions and seek support and they consistently respond in a thoughtful and thorough way. If you are considering private school, I can't recommend Waterford enough. It is more than a liberal arts school. They are a community that wants to collaborate with you and your family to help your child achieve their potential and discover their greatness.
5 1/17/2015
The opportunities for exploration, learning, and growth at Waterford are truly remarkable. The class sizes are small and teaching is discussion-based, but there is so much more to it than that. The teachers connect with the students in a way that encourages them to give their very best in all subjects. My children have found their learning to be meaningful and have gained academic confidence through their classwork at Waterford. Their years at Waterford are happy and fulfilling. They cherish their Waterford education and recognize the advantages it gives them in college and beyond. Waterford is an outstanding school in every way.
5 12/19/2014
We LOVE this school, its remarkable faculty, leaders and the parent community. The Waterford School is an amazing institution solidly grounded on the principles of a liberal arts education. We have four children and each has been enriched by their own personal experiences at at Waterford. Our college student still refers to her Waterford classmates with awe. She is loving her college experience, but she finds a true grounding and inspiration in the quality of people she connected with while at Waterford. She also compares every teacher to her Waterford teachers, they have set a high caliber bar. Fans of public school, we originally came to Waterford for what we thought would be just one year, after moving to Utah. We quickly fell in love with the depth and breadth of the academic program and the arts. Waterford is an institution that is constantly refining, building vertical curriculum and thinking forward. If you are studying the planets in science, often history, math and art will correlate. With a 32-year history, the school is on solid footing and looks forward with vigor to an exciting future. We are thrilled to be a part of that future!
5 12/19/2014
At first, The Waterford School was the perfect nursery school for my son. My husband and I are successful public school graduates, so paying for private school seemed foreign. We truly thought that after a few years of preschool, we would transfer our child to our local public school. Fast forward nine years, and my sons are both at Waterford in the sixth and fourth grades. We have two wonderfully average boys who are challenged to find their greatness and fuel their passions. The Waterford Faculty and Staff create a place where a true love of learning can take root and flourish. Each year that passes, I am more impressed at the quality of experiences offered at this campus. The Waterford School teaches more than an exceptional curriculum, it polishes and hones great people. Although writing the check is sometimes painful for our family, we feel that the experience and education at The Waterford School is the best gift we could possibly give to our children.
5 11/12/2014
This will be hard to keep short as there is much to say about Waterford. In a nutshell, Waterford has been an exceptional education and "family" for our 3 children. Waterford has given them a chance to participate in varsity athletics; cultivated a love of music, dance and drama; provided a safe environment to explore new areas of interest (robotics, literary magazine, photography); prepared them very well for college; and provided lasting friendships with their peers and faculty.
5 5/21/2012
Waterford is extraordinary in so many ways. We feel so lucky that we have found the perfect place for our children. The community is diverse and welcoming, and the beautiful campus feels like a safe haven. I keep hearing stories from friends who have kids at other local schools -- they are dealing with bullying, teachers who are apathetic, kids who are apathetic and generally poor academics. We are having a completely different (and positive) experience at Waterford. My kids LOVE coming to school each day. They are taught by teachers who are exceptionally gifted and passionate about what they do. The kids who attend Waterford are hard-working and bright -- and being smart is accepted, even "cool". Most importantly, my kids love learning and are thriving. I am confident that when they graduate, they will be very well prepared for college and life.
Endorse The Waterford School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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