The Waterford School

Waterford is a unique place, where students are provided a broad array of opportunities and challenges by world-class faculty. My children have very different needs and interests, and Waterford has the breadth to respond to my children individually and the depth to challenge them personally. I encourage anyone considering applying to the school to take a tour--you will be glad you did.
—Submitted by a parent

... (continued from previous post)... to a second place finish in the 1A tournament. Waterford didn't require any tradeoffs. I could be on the baseball team without having devoted my whole life to baseball. I could get great attention in English Literature classes and still play soccer at night. Waterford allowed me to live a well-rounded, full life (even though I didn't take full advantage of it at the time) that I try to replicate today. I'm now about to enter one of the top law schools in the country, but, in Waterford spirit, I still am devoted to intramural sports, theater groups, and other activities that allow me live life to its fullest. If I could send my hypothetical child anywhere, I would send him to Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, or Choate. But if I had to send him somewhere west of the Mississippi, I would strongly consider Waterford Waterford encourages academic excellence and a fully developed life. Stephen Richer Waterford Student, 1988-2003

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.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel compelled to offer my review of Waterford for families unfamiliar to Utah, regarding issues relating to (obviously) education, plus culture and social issues here. First, there are only 3 NAIS in Salt Lake County, Waterford being one. The other 2 schools offer excellent academic programs, and have very high standards relating to curriculum. All 3 schools are wonderful, although VERY different. Waterford is located outside Salt Lake City. The others are in the city. We prefer outside city boundaries for 2 reasons: One being security of Waterford. The lower schools building is absolutely inaccessible, unless entering through double doors to the front office, at which point you cannot get in unless you are a parent. Next, air quality in SLC is horrible. Most important: class size and teacher credentials, as well as administration background. Grades 1-5 class size caps at 24. This is an issue of concern. Also, most lower school teachers are educated from Utah universities. Alarming if you are looking for more diversity or culture. Also, "only children" families are rare at this school. Despite these negatives, Waterford offers the best cirriculum in Utah for our only son.
—Submitted by a parent

Two children attended this school. It is better than most of the public school around the area in academic aspect. Teachers seems more responisble than teachers in public schools, (I am not saying every teacher are better than teacher in public school). However, the price and the value you get is not as I expected. School is not willing to take any responsibilities for children's bad behaviors. Also, I was told by another private school which tuition is only half of Waterford, that their academic level is 2 years ahead of Waterford. This is hard to confirm since I have no experience at that school. Overall, not a bad school, just wish ratio of quality to price could be higher.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in Kindergarten and Class II, and they love coming to school. The Waterford community is warm and welcoming, but excellence is taught and expected in all endeavors. I like that creativity and imagination are valued, yet there is also structure in the class and in the day--it seems the perfect balance. A true liberal arts curriculum, the children have interesting math problems, and learn to read and engage with history at a high level, and also attend classes with specialists, such as engaged science teachers that are doing hands on experiments and discussion--my Class II daughter's favorite class is science--and talented music teachers who just put on a wonderful choral performances, including a Vivaldi concert for Classes 3-5 that was stunning. And, passionate art, PE, and computer teachers, and librarians make for rich days for students. Classroom faculty are caring, organized, and meet continually refine a thoughtful curriculum. One thing I value is the diversity of families--different ethnic and religious (as well as non-religious) backgrounds are comfortable and well-represented here, connected by their interest in a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

We have three children at The Waterford School. Each of our children is very unique in aptitude, interest and approach to school. What we've found is the Waterford environment has worked incredibly well building the individual strengths and abilities of our children and shaping their experience in a very positive way. There is a different feel to the campus than any other school like it I have been to. Very engaged students, staff and families and the feeling that there is truly an interest in the pursuit of excellence and maximizing the educational experience. We want our children to be in the most positive, inspiring and appropriately challenging environments possible. Waterford provides that environment, I would highly recommend the school to any parent who want the same for your children.
—Submitted by a parent

We are grateful for WATERFORD, our private college preparatory school in Utah! We consider our time there as a daily investment, with paybacks that continue to amaze us. With a refined liberal arts curriculum and remarkable faculty, our children are receiving a passion for life-long learning and developing integrity, and accountability. We appreciate a school culture that thinks and executes well in Elementary, Middle and High School. We have benefitted for 11-years, and expect to benefit for a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

There couldn t have been a better place for our 3 children to explore and learn about the world than Waterford. For more than 11 years, they have been taught by talented and passionate teachers who have challenged them to think more deeply, have required them to apply themselves more diligently and have shared insights that they will appreciate for the rest of their lives. Waterford has given them a confidence in themselves that they could not have gained elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

As parent of two children who have attended Waterford for 10 years, I take offense at the October 18 review. As a non-Mormon family from out-of-state, we have found Waterford to be a wonderful, non-religious environment with an amazing community of families from multiple religious and ethnic backgrounds. My kids' friends are from families who have relocated to Utah from Australia, Germany, South Africa, India, Iran, and all over the United States. The diversity and open-mindedness here is incredible. As far as the other comment about the school being horrible, I simply cannot understand. Perhaps this reviewer's child couldn't keep up with the academic rigor, or had other behavioral problems. I think if you look at the majority of glowing reviews on this site, it should be obvious that this simply is not true. I would highly recommend Waterford to any family looking for a wonderful, nurturing environment with high academic standards and amazing teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 5 children, all of whom have attended Waterford from the the beginning. My oldest son began in the Nursery program and graduated last year. We feel so fortunate to have our children educated at this school! Not only are the academics exceptional, they are taught by faculty that sincerely care about each student. My children have been introduced to a well-rounded curriculum, including an exceptional art and music program. With 5 kids, we have a wide variance of interests and abilities, and each of our children have thrived and their individual needs have been met. I'm especially grateful for the diversity at the school, and the students are taught from the beginning to accept and appreciate all backgrounds, while instilling a strong sense of community and service. Our children have been given so many opportunities that I believe they would not have received anywhere else - we love Waterford!
—Submitted by a parent

I've been at Waterford for 10 years now, and have enjoyed it through thick and thin. Lower school I remember dressing up and being eager to learn every single day. Middle school was a boiling pot of a balance between fun and a seriousness to learn. And now, as a freshman in high school, I see what Waterford really is about. As challenging as it may be, it's worth every second of my time, from the homework, to the struggling to understand, to the glorifying moments where something snaps in your head, and all of a sudden, that functional math equation you were struggling with finally makes sense. When your mind thinks in the foreign language you've taken for the first time. These small but wonderful acheivements are what makes Waterford an excellent school. Small building blocks as a foundation to grow up upon. I can't imagine going to another school now, and when I talk to my peers who attend public school around me, they are amazed at what I have accomplished, and what I will accomplish in my future. From teachers that care for you as an individual to friends you have known since you were five, this school is a perfect fit for anyone who loves to learn.

We moved from San Francisco to Utah right before my oldest son was preparing to begin Kindergarten. Before moving I had just finished touring and applying to twelve incredibly distinct and outstanding schools. I wondered if I would find anything as good in Utah. This was imperative to me, as my children would spend more time at school than they would with me! I needed to know the environment was wonderful. As soon as we toured Waterford I knew we found the perfect fit for my three boys. Two years later I feel as excited about the school experience as our first day. While no school is perfect, it has delivered on its promises. My children are gaining a well-rounded, robust academic experience combined with a celebration of values to be good citizens with empathy for those around them. A great deal is expected allowing them to realize how much they are really capable of, growing in self-confidence and developing a genuine love of learning. Driving home from school the other day my seven year old and five year old were singing their version of opera after attending a music concert at school. As a mother, I couldn t ask for more.
—Submitted by a parent

With 4 children and more than 13 years at Waterford, I have extensive experience with Waterford teachers, facilities, programs, curriculum and administration from nursery through grade 12. My children have benefited from gifted, caring, passionate teachers, who are vested in their students' success. I am always amazed at how consistent the different teachers' remarks are in each of my children's grade reports. Waterford faculty know their students, and challenge their strengths while supporting their weaknesses. Over the years I have seen my children grow to be critical thinkers with a love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

When my family moved from New York to Utah a few years ago, we didn't have to think twice about where to send our kids to school. My husband and I attended Ivy League schools for college and graduate school and we had heard about Waterford's exceptional environment from our classmates. It is truly the paradigm of a modern liberal arts education, and I become giddy any time I have an excuse to roam the halls with my kids, visit their classes, meet with their teachers or hear the administration speak. It brings me so much joy to know that my kids are finding the same love of learning that I've enjoyed in my own life. I am daily grateful that I can send my children off to such an amazing place.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone in our family are die-hard Waterford School fans! We have 3 children in Waterford, grades 8, 5, and K. Our 14yo son has been going there since he was 3. They all love going there and cannot imagine going elsewhere. I agree with all the other positive reviews on the strength of the academic program, but what puts this school above others is all the other amazing experiences their students get there: from learning yoga moves in Nursery 3 (preschool), to dissecting a cow's heart in 3rd grade, to putting on an incredible Shakespeare play in 5th grade, to designing their own computer game program in 7th grade...the list is endless! We feel so good knowing our children spend most of the days in their lives in a place that encourages independent thinking and fosters such love of learning that I'm sure will last a lifetime!
—Submitted by a parent

We love the Waterford School! My husband and I moved to Utah from California 15 years ago. Both of us attended Ivy League universities. We were interested in a school that would challenge our children and foster a love for the learning process. Our three eldest children attend the lower school and we have been at the school for the past 4 years. Our children love to go to school every day. The teachers are incredible. They are open-minded and helpful in discerning ways to help our children improve. Our children especially enjoy the science and music programs-- and these have been places our children feel outstanding in their ability to understand difficult concepts and shine while performing. We think the opportunities that Waterford gives for individual students to share their talents creates a vibrant community of high achievement. Even as an adult I am constantly inspired by the students! We look forward to many more years at the Waterford School.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at Waterford and we have 2 children enrolled in elementary school. Our oldest in now in 1st grade and our youngest in Nursery 4's. We have been so happy at Waterford and feel very lucky and blessed to be able to be part of such an incredible community. We especially appreciate the small class sizes, which not only allows our children to get ample one-on-one time, but also allows us, as parents, to develop crucial relationships with our children's teachers. Waterford is a school with the perfect balance of a caring atmosphere and rigorous studies. Our children enjoy being able to visit specialty classrooms such as Art, Science, PE, Dance and Computers, each with their own specialty teacher. I would recommend Waterford School to anyone who is interested in the best possible education for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

The Waterford School came highly recommended to us, but the actual Waterford experience has been top-notch and beyond our expectations. We moved to Utah at the midpoint of my son's kindergarten year, and visited many schools, public and private. The Waterford School stood out immediately as the best school in the Slat Lake/Sandy area. We were and continue to be impressed by the facilities that support a rigorous and liberal arts education, even (and most importantly) at the Lover School (elementary) level. My son, now in Class II was quite shy coming into the school, but the low class size and well-funded enrichment classes of science, PE, music, dance, computers and library have allowed him to thrive socially, intellecutally and physically. As an adult in a new city, I am also grateful to have found a community of bright and thoughtful parents committed to education. I found it easy to meet people, make new friends and become involved in parent events and volunteer opportunities. We will continue to choose Waterford knowing we are providing the best option for the growth and education of my son.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have roamed the halls of The Waterford School since they were two years old. My oldest is now a senior. I am convinced Waterford is the best private and college preparatory school in Utah. My children are more than ready for the challenges they will face in the coming years at college. The teachers are experts in their fields and truly enjoy teaching. They make my children want to learn and do well in school. The academic programs and extra activities are challenging and diverse. My daughter is in her fourth year of Japanese study and enjoys rowing on the school's unique crew team. She thanks me on a regular basis for helping her find the "world's most perfect school for her." My son is enjoying coming home from school to at least a dozen cards or letters each day from colleges and universities eager for his application. Another great benefit to Waterford is the outstanding college counseling and placement program. Personal attention is given every junior and senior during the tedious college application process.
—Submitted by a parent