The Waterford School

1480 East 9400 South

Sandy, UT 84093

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 29, 2024

Waterford was amazing!! Will always be in my heart. My daughter became mysteriously ill the summer going into senior year and it affected her cognitive abilities. She was forced to miss a good amount of school as well as events of senior year. The kind response of the teachers and administrative staff blew us all away. They were fiercely protective of her. But the most impressive part was the reactions of the students and their parents who knew she wasn’t so well. They literally came together as a community and bent over backwards to help and support her. Students dropped off notes, would come to by to cheer her up, we would come home at times to baked goods at our door. Character was high at this school. This school will forever be in my heart!
Submitted by other on May 12, 2021

Waterford is an amazing school, and we feel fortunate to have our daughter enrolled since Pre-K 4. She is now a second grader. You will not find a more caring group of teachers and administration. They spend the time and resources to identify and help with academic and social struggles, have an excellent after school program and we utilize the bus service from Park City, tutoring program for reading and writing, and Waterford ballet academy. Our daughter loves the opportunities to engage daily in music, art, dance, PE, computers, and science. The curriculum is top notch, and we feel strongly that Waterford is the best private school in our vicinity. We also love the summer camp program and have attended for 2 years. Mr. Hercules is so passionate about helping all the students and making sure that they are learning and having fun.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

If you close your eyes and dream up the most perfect school for your children, Waterford would be it. I feel like I am gifting my daughter every day I send her there. We moved from New York this past year where my daughter attended a fairly rigorous school. Waterford has blown away our expectations. What makes it different? The campus is breathtaking. The teachers and administration are all exceptional. They really care and want your children to succeed. Most teachers have advanced degrees from outstanding institutions and could be teaching in a university setting, but actually want to teach our kids. The classes are inspiring, enriching and fun with a broad curriculum. The school is not a pressure cooker, but instead challenges the kids to engage, push their limits and find themselves. The extracurricular activities are varied and welcoming. My daughter who was always a bit shy came out of her shell this year- she joined the basketball team and is part of the orchestra, having picked up violin just this year! The final ingredient to the school is its students. These are kind, happy, friendly, smart, ambitious kids with families to match. All the best in your search but definitely check this place out:)
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2018

My kids have been to 5 different schools between the two of them, and Waterford is my favourite. Our daughter, who has a 4.1 weighted GPA, attends a Catholic High School in Salt Lake and Waterford is by far the superior choice. The Catholic School seems to want its students to fail--it is very strange--while Waterford does everything it possibly can to help students find their passions and shine. Waterford is the best school in Salt Lake.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2016

Waterford is an amazing school for those interested in a liberal arts education. We have had kids in the lower school, middle school, and upper school over the past decade. Every time I visit a Waterford classroom I leave wishing I could go back and start my own education over.What makes Waterford stand apart:1) Passionate teachers who love their subjects and their students. The teachers ignite passions in their students that the students didn't even realize they had. The teachers are genuinely interested in the students and engage with them both in and out of the classroom. (As an aside, I love that my lower school kids spend time with specialists purely focused on science, music, art, computers, reading, and PE. This guarantees that my kids are taught by knowledgeable and passionate teachers in every subject, every day.)2) An environment of exploration where students are encouraged and enticed to explore and try things they never thought they would. My kids have benefited from so many great opportunities that have grown their minds and uncovered their talents. Waterford is an environment where it's safe to be yourself, and cool to work hard.3) A fantastic campus and facilities to foster robust experiences: art studios, concert halls, science labs, dance studios, photo labs, flexible classroom configurations, athletic facilities, and lots of open space to gather with friends.Why Waterford has been a great school for my children:1) My kids love going to school each day. They are challenged, engaged, and excited by their learning experiences.2) They are developing a breadth of knowledge and experience that I think will prepare them for the uncertainty of the ever changing world over their lifetime. They are building strong academic skills, but more importantly they are seeing the bigger world picture and learning how to think critically.3) Their understanding of the world and of their own talents and passions is far ahead of where mine were at their age. Sitting in on a 11th grade history class reminds me of my college seminars--a small group of students sitting around a table having a robust conversation, with a teacher encouraging the students to push the limit of their thinking. My children will be far more prepared than I in charting their course to find a rewarding life that follows their passions and abilities.
Submitted by other on January 19, 2016

Waterford exposed me to so many diverse fields, with expert-level instruction. I could paint, throw clay on the potter's wheel, examine cultures in a petri dish, study violin concertos, recite Shakespeare onstage for my peers. The quality of instruction was on a collegiate level, and my peers were first-class and inspired me to work hard and perform well academically. Truly, it was an exceptional education.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 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.
Submitted by other on January 11, 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.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2015

Choosing to send our child to Waterford (next year we'll have two there) has been the best decision we've ever made. After attending a public school kindergarten last year, we knew we needed to pave a different academic path for our children. We didn't hear anything about school last year. Nothing bad, but nothing good, and each time I'd volunteer in his classroom, it was complete chaos. I wasn't excited to send him to school. After a little research we were unsure we'd ever find anything that was a good fit for my son, who is quite structured and likes everything to be in order, and my daughter who is creative and crazy and flies by the seat of her pants. haha! I was afraid to look at Waterford because it is quite a drive for us to get there, and I knew if I loved it I'd be spending a lot of time in the car, but we were curious and went looking. The minute we walked in, we were captivated by the quiet hum of children learning and engaging in hands on activities and the beautiful creative art that covered the walls. It seemed too good to be true. We went ahead and enrolled our son in first grade and boy! we couldn't be happier. The school that seemed too good to be true really is that good. Now, about 3 months into the year, he talks about school all the time! He's constantly teaching me new things and he's excited about learning! He has a small class, half the size of his class in public school last year. He's a happier all around kid and we are so thrilled! Waterford has really changed our lives. I find peace each day knowing my son is spending his days in the best possible place he could be in. My biggest concern was the distance we'd have to travel each day to school, but there are multiple busses that travel to and from surrounding areas to help out with the commute. We feel so lucky to be there and hope to continue on all the way through 12th grade.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2015

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.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2015

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.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2015

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.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2015

My son started Waterford in Nursery Three s and he is now in third grade. The Nursery teachers have instilled a love of learning and the confidence to explore his own intrinsic gifts. Although the Waterford preschool has a rich curriculum, the teachers identify each child s level of learning and then they challenge and enrich children on their own level -- without creating unnecessary feelings of classroom competition. My son still adores his Nursery teachers and with the foundation of confidence that they built in him, he thrives at Waterford.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 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.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 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!
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

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.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2014

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.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2014

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. They're 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).
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2014

Our family moved to Salt Lake about 13 years ago. We were looking for a private school for our three grade- school age kids, and even though we had choices, Waterford felt the best for us. The reasons were many why Waterford was the best choice for us. Here are just a few: a generous liberal arts program, low student-teacher ratio, outstanding faculty, specific teachers for science, computers, music, PE and dance, a beautiful campus in a suburban setting and, maybe best of all, uniforms :) Two of the three have graduated now (one on the east coast and one on the west coast) and both are doing extremely well. Waterford did a great job in preparing them not only for their college academics, but also for the time management and self motivation that it takes to be successful. Thank you Waterford! We couldn't be more grateful.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2013

Waterford provides an inspiring environment for learning in academics, the arts and athletics. The typical Waterford student discovers skills and passions they didn't even know they had. Spectacular faculty! Students learn how to think and explore and discover. Must visit to experience this first hand.