Utah is known for some pretty impressive things: the geography and climate make it ideal for skiing and snowboarding, the majestic lakes and canyons swirl and combine to make gorgeous salt flats and vistas, and the national parks are global wonderlands. But most people don’t realize that Utah also has some of the best high schools in the country.
Each school has its own set of strengths
and weaknesses, and how you view the school’s overall attractiveness depends on
what your focus is. For example, some people choose a school for their children
based on its safety protocols, while others prioritize the school grade. Still
others look at the athletic programs offered, as high school is the time when
many athletes will start their scholarship track.
Whatever your priority is, and whether
you’re looking for high schools in Sandy, Utah, or in a remote
neck of the state, we have 5 of the overall top-ranked upper education schools
listed here.
1.
Beehive Science and Technology Academy (BSTA)
BSTA, as it’s known within the district,
is a solidly ranked school located in Sandy, UT, where students can focus on
learning STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum.
The school’s academic progress is steady, boasting high test scores and a
well-above-state-average college and career readiness level. Test scores are
far above the state average, as well.
For those looking for athletics, BSTA, as
a charter school, doesn’t currently have any teams. However, students attending
charter schools are permitted by Utah law to participate in neighboring
school’s athletic teams.
2.
Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering and Science (NUAMES)
Those attending this school refer to it
as NUAMES, with two locations in Ogden and Layton. It has a strong reputation
as a top school with excellent staff who care for their students on an
individual level. Students here tend to make above-average academic progress,
showing impressive academic growth over the years, with far-above-average
college and career readiness and test scores.
The school offers many extracurricular
activities, but as a charter, NUAMES doesn’t have any separate teams that are
part of the Utah High School Activities Association. If you would like your
child to attend this school and pursue sports, they can do so by trying out at
their neighborhood public high school.
3.
Academy for Math Engineering and Science (AMES)
Located in Murray, the Academy for Math
Engineering and Science (AMES) is a highly-rated charter school where students
make strong academic progress. They have more than the state average when it
comes to test scores and college and career readiness.
As a charter school, AMES doesn’t offer
academic sports, but your athlete can try out for a team at any neighborhood
public high school. There are various academic clubs and other extracurricular
activities to add to their college resume, though.
4.
Itineris Early College High School
Residents of West Jordan can choose to
have their high schoolers attend Itineras Early College, where teens can
prepare for college and career readiness at an advanced level. The school has
some of the highest grades in the state when it comes to test scores, progress,
and readiness.
Itinerary is a private charter school
boasting many extracurricular activities. However, if your child is hoping for
an athletic scholarship, they will need to try out for participation in a
public high school nearby.
5.
Corner Canyon High School
Corner Canyon High School may be the only
public school on our list, but it solidly competes with the ratings of the
charter schools included here. At Corner Canyon, students make average progress
and have above-average college and career readiness and test scores. It’s an
excellent choice for parents who want their children to receive the best public
education in the area.
In addition to a strong academic program,
Corner Canyon High School offers a competitive athletic division, including
basketball, soccer, and other team sports.
