The 30 Best High Schools in Salt Lake County, Utah
Salt Lake County stands as home to some of Utah’s most distinguished educational institutions, offering students diverse academic opportunities and pathways to success.
The county’s high schools range from specialized STEM academies to comprehensive traditional schools, each providing unique strengths and programs designed to meet varied student interests and career goals.
This comprehensive guide examines the top 30 high schools in Salt Lake County, evaluating their academic performance, specialized programs, and overall educational quality to help families make informed decisions about their educational future.
The schools featured represent a mix of charter institutions, traditional public schools, and specialized academies that consistently demonstrate excellence in student achievement and preparation for post-secondary success.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Salt Lake County, Utah.
1. Academy for Math Engineering & Science
The Academy for Math Engineering & Science ranks among Utah’s top public charter high schools. This STEM-focused institution serves grades 9-12 in Salt Lake City.
Founded in 2003, AMES maintains a consistent 5-star rating. The school enrolls approximately 469 students with a 20-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Academic performance remains strong across standardized assessments. Sixty-two percent of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, while 72 percent meet reading standards.
The school offers college-level coursework and Advanced Placement courses. Students can earn both high school and college credit through these programs.
AMES provides comprehensive extracurricular opportunities beyond academics. Students participate in athletics, theater productions, music programs, and various clubs.
The institution consistently ranks within the top 10 high schools statewide. This charter school focuses primarily on advanced STEM curriculum while maintaining its magnet school designation.
2. North Star Academy
North Star Academy stands as one of Salt Lake County’s premier educational institutions. The school serves 520 students across grades Kindergarten through 9th grade in Riverton, Utah.
The academy has earned recognition for its academic excellence. It ranks within the top 10% of all public schools throughout Utah for 2025.
North Star Academy provides a comprehensive educational program for its diverse student body. The school focuses on preparing students for continued academic success in their high school years.
Located in Riverton, the academy serves families throughout the Salt Lake County area. The school maintains strong academic standards while fostering student growth and development.
The institution’s ranking reflects its commitment to quality education and student achievement. North Star Academy continues to be a top choice for families seeking excellent elementary and middle school education in Salt Lake County.
3. Beehive Science & Technology Academy
Beehive Science & Technology Academy stands as Utah’s top-ranked high school according to U.S. News & World Report. The school has maintained this number one position for five consecutive years.
Located in Sandy, this tuition-free public charter school serves 402 students in grades 6-12. The student-teacher ratio remains at 19 to 1.
The academy operates as a Platinum-level STEM school with a focus on science and technology education. Students achieve strong academic results with 62% proficient in math and 52% in reading on state assessments.
High school students access Advanced Placement classes and career technical education courses in information technology and health science. The school also provides online learning options and concurrent enrollment programs through Salt Lake Community College.
U.S. News ranks schools based on state test performance, graduation rates, and college preparation effectiveness. Beehive Science & Technology Academy earned the #116 ranking nationally among high schools.
4. Corner Canyon High School
Corner Canyon High School stands as Utah’s highest-ranking traditional public high school. Located in Draper, the school serves 2,451 students in grades 8-12.
The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Utah. It placed seventh among 169 high schools statewide and fourth in Salt Lake County according to recent rankings.
Corner Canyon maintains a strong graduation rate of 95 percent. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and operates as part of the Canyons School District.
As the first comprehensive high school built in Draper, Corner Canyon serves the southeast corner of Salt Lake County. It was also the first new high school constructed by Canyons School District after its separation from Jordan District in 2009.
The school consistently appears among the top performers in various state and national rankings.
5. Brighton High School
Brighton High School ranks #9 among public high schools in Salt Lake County. The school serves grades 8-12 in the Canyons School District.
Located at 2220 Bengal Boulevard in Cottonwood Heights, Brighton has operated since 1969. The school offers Advanced Placement courses to challenge academically motivated students.
Brighton ranks better than 83.3% of high schools statewide. It holds the #2 position among the five ranked high schools within the Canyons District.
The school maintains a graduation rate that aligns with county averages. Brighton provides comprehensive athletics programs and extracurricular activities for student participation.
Students benefit from experienced faculty and modern facilities. The school’s location in Cottonwood Heights serves families throughout the southeastern Salt Lake Valley area.
6. Hillcrest High School
Hillcrest High School in Midvale stands out as one of Salt Lake County’s top educational institutions. The school ranks 13th in Salt Lake County and 29th among Utah’s 169 high schools.
With an 84 percent graduation rate, Hillcrest demonstrates strong academic performance. This rate reflects the school’s commitment to helping students complete their education successfully.
The school operates a nationally renowned theatre program that attracts students interested in performing arts. This program has earned recognition beyond Utah’s borders.
Hillcrest High School maintains its position among the county’s elite educational institutions. The school consistently delivers quality education while providing specialized programs that cater to diverse student interests and talents.
7. Cottonwood High School
Cottonwood High School serves 1,495 students in grades 9-12 in Salt Lake City. The school operates within the Granite School District and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.8 to 1.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and runs a Gifted & Talented program. It ranks as the 68th largest public high school in Utah.
Cottonwood High consistently places in the bottom third of Utah high schools. Recent rankings show the school between 121-133 out of 129-139 schools statewide over the past several years.
The campus is located at 5715 South 1300 East in Salt Lake City. Students moving into the Cottonwood boundary can enroll directly, while out-of-boundary students require permits.
The school participates in standard state testing assessments and provides enrollment information for prospective families through their new student enrollment process.
8. East High School
East High School operates as a public institution in Salt Lake City, serving students within the Salt Lake District. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced students.
The campus gained widespread recognition as the filming location for Disney’s “High School Musical” movies. This cultural connection has brought national attention to the school.
East High provides comprehensive educational opportunities within one of Salt Lake County’s established school districts. The institution serves as one of ten high schools in the Salt Lake District system.
Students at East High can access various academic programs designed to prepare them for post-secondary education. The school’s AP course offerings allow students to earn college credit while completing their high school requirements.
The school maintains its position as a notable educational institution in Salt Lake County’s public school landscape.
9. Skyline High School
Skyline High School serves students in grades 9-12 in Salt Lake City. The school was established in 1962 and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence.
The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Utah. It consistently performs among the state’s educational leaders for college preparation programs.
Skyline offers Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs. The school also provides a Gifted and Talented program for high-achieving students.
The school serves approximately 2,125 students as part of the Granite School District. It operates as one of 104 schools within this district.
Skyline High School emphasizes character development and personal responsibility. The school focuses on fostering intellectual curiosity to achieve high levels of student learning.
10. Alta High School
Alta High School serves 2,350 students in grades 8-12 in Sandy, Utah. The school maintains a graduation rate of 91 percent.
Alta High School ranked ninth among high schools in Salt Lake County. Statewide, the school placed 24th out of 169 high schools in Utah according to magazine rankings.
The school falls within the top 50% of all public schools in Utah. This ranking reflects the school’s academic performance and educational standards.
Alta High School’s position demonstrates consistent performance within the Canyons School District. The district’s high schools consistently place in the top 18 when compared with schools across the Salt Lake valley.
The school’s large student body and solid graduation rate indicate a stable educational environment. Alta High School continues to serve as a significant educational institution in Salt Lake County.
11. Kearns High School
Kearns High School serves students in grades 9-12 in the city of Kearns. The school operates as the sole high school in the area, serving a diverse student population.
The school focuses on developing student proficiency in Utah Core Standards. Students work with staff through collaborative learning and ongoing assessments to prepare for college and career paths.
Kearns High School faces academic performance challenges compared to state averages. The school serves a community with high poverty levels, which impacts educational outcomes.
Salt Lake County public high schools average 30% math proficiency and 42% reading proficiency. These scores fall below Utah’s statewide averages of 35% and 44% respectively.
The school maintains its identity as home of the Cougars. Students have access to various programs designed to support their academic development and future preparation.
12. Jordan High School
Jordan High School maintains a strong academic reputation within Salt Lake County. The school achieved an 86 percent graduation rate, demonstrating consistent student success.
The institution ranked 18th among Salt Lake County high schools. It also placed 58th out of 169 high schools statewide in Utah according to recent rankings.
Jordan High School operates within the Canyons School District. The school provides comprehensive educational resources for students, parents, and staff members.
The district’s high schools consistently perform well in regional comparisons. All Canyons School District high schools ranked in the top 18 when measured against Salt Lake valley institutions.
Jordan High School offers a well-rounded education experience. Students have access to various academic programs designed to support their personal and educational development.
13. Granite High School
Granite High School serves as one of the senior high schools within the Granite School District in Salt Lake County. The school operates under a district that encompasses 87 public schools serving nearly 60,000 students.
Students at Granite High School receive education through a district system that has faced some ranking challenges. The Granite School District currently holds a 3/10 average testing ranking, placing it in the bottom 50% of Utah public schools.
The school benefits from established district infrastructure and resources. Granite School District maintains comprehensive boundary maps and registration systems to serve families throughout the area.
Like other schools in Salt Lake County, Granite High School operates within a region where public high schools average 30% math proficiency and 42% reading proficiency. These scores reflect the broader educational landscape of the county’s public school system.
14. Murray High School
Murray High School serves as the sole high school in Murray, Utah, educating students in grades 9-12. The school maintains a total enrollment of 1,648 students with approximately 68 full-time teachers.
The student-to-teacher ratio stands at about 24 students per teacher. This ratio slightly exceeds the Salt Lake County average of 23 to 1.
Murray High School demonstrates strong academic performance by outperforming state averages in core academic subjects. The school consistently ranks among the top institutions within the Murray District.
The school provides educational services to a diverse student population. Students receive instruction across standard high school curriculum areas with support from dedicated faculty members.
Murray High School’s academic achievements and consistent district rankings establish it as a notable educational institution in Salt Lake County.
15. West High School
West High School serves 2,505 students in grades 7-12 in Salt Lake City. The school operates within the Salt Lake City School District as one of 43 schools in the system.
The institution ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Utah. State test scores show 33% of students achieve proficiency in math and 60% in reading.
West High offers Advanced Placement courses and an International Baccalaureate program. The school also provides a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.
The student-teacher ratio stands at 22 to 1. This ratio affects class sizes and individual attention students receive from faculty.
The school maintains its position as a notable educational institution in Salt Lake County. West High provides comprehensive academic programming for middle and high school students in the district.
16. South High School
South High School operated as a significant educational institution in Salt Lake City from 1931 to 1988. The school served students for nearly six decades before closing its doors.
Located at 1575 S. State Street, South High School occupied a prominent position on the southern end of Salt Lake City proper. This central location provided students with easy access to the school.
During its 57-year operation, South High School educated thousands of students in the Salt Lake Valley. The school contributed to the educational landscape of the region throughout much of the 20th century.
The building served the community during significant historical periods, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war boom years. South High School remained a fixture in Salt Lake City’s educational system until the late 1980s.
17. Canyon View High School
Canyon View High School serves students in Salt Lake County with a commitment to academic excellence. The school maintains competitive rankings among Utah’s educational institutions.
Students at Canyon View benefit from a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for college and career success. The school offers various academic programs tailored to different learning styles and interests.
Canyon View’s faculty works to create an environment that supports student achievement. Teachers focus on helping students develop critical thinking skills and subject mastery.
The school participates in state testing and accountability measures. Canyon View’s performance data reflects the institution’s dedication to maintaining educational standards.
Located within Salt Lake County’s educational landscape, Canyon View competes with other high-performing schools in the region. The school continues to adapt its programs to meet evolving educational requirements and student needs.
18. Draper Park Middle-High School
Draper Park Middle School ranks among Utah’s top 5 middle schools and holds recognition as one of the top 25 middle schools in the Greater Salt Lake area. The school earned an overall A grade from Niche in 2025.
The institution received an A rating for both teachers and academics. It scored a B grade for diversity according to recent evaluations.
GreatSchools gives Draper Park Middle an 8/10 overall rating. The school achieved a 7 for student progress and a 9 for test scores.
Located at 13133 South 1300 East in Draper, the school serves students in the Canyons School District. The facility features a quality building that supports its educational programs.
The school maintains strong leadership with current and former principals receiving positive recognition. Draper Park Middle consistently performs well in state and county rankings for academic achievement.
19. Mountain Ridge High School
Mountain Ridge High School serves students in Herriman, Utah, as part of the Salt Lake County school system. The school operates as a public high school with a focus on comprehensive education.
The school’s athletic teams compete as the Sentinels in Region 7 of class 6A athletics. Their school colors are scarlet red, gray, and white.
Mountain Ridge participates in sports sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association. The school offers multiple athletic programs for student participation.
According to SchoolDigger ratings, Mountain Ridge High holds a 3-star rating. The school demonstrates performance in core academic areas including English Language Arts, Math, and Science testing.
The school ranks among the top public high schools in Herriman when compared to other local institutions. Mountain Ridge provides educational services to families in the growing Herriman community.
20. Riverton High School
Riverton High School serves grades 10-12 as part of the Jordan School District. The school sits on a 52-acre campus in Riverton, providing educational services to students from Riverton, Herriman, and Bluffdale areas.
The school has experienced variable academic performance in recent years. It ranked 40th out of 129 Utah high schools in 2020-2021 but dropped to 96th out of 131 schools the following year.
The modern facility offers comprehensive educational resources for its student population. The campus design supports both academic programs and extracurricular activities for the southwest Salt Lake County community.
Riverton High School operates within Salt Lake County’s public school system. The county’s high schools average a 4/10 ranking compared to other Utah public schools, placing them in the bottom 50% statewide.
21. Bingham High School
Bingham High School serves 2,471 students in grades 10-12 in South Jordan. The school operates as one of eight high schools within the Jordan School District.
The school ranks in the top 50% of all public schools in Utah. According to some rankings, Bingham High School holds a statewide position of 9 out of 138 schools with a 5-star rating.
Test scores at Bingham High School exceed both district and state averages. The school shows particularly strong performance in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
The campus offers clear views of the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Bingham High School maintains long-standing school traditions that contribute to its stable educational environment.
The school’s name and mascot derive from its proximity to the Bingham Copper Mine. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses as part of the academic curriculum.
22. Taylorsville High School
Taylorsville High School serves students in grades 9-12 in Salt Lake City. The school enrolls approximately 2,694 students, making it one of the larger high schools in the area.
The student body reflects significant diversity, with a notable Hispanic and minority student population. This diversity contributes to the school’s multicultural learning environment.
Academic performance at Taylorsville High consistently falls below state and district averages across multiple subject areas. The school ranks within the bottom 50% of all public schools in Utah based on standardized test results.
Known as the Warriors, Taylorsville High offers various athletic programs and extracurricular activities. The school maintains its own website with links to faculty information and athletics programs.
Despite academic challenges, the school continues to serve its large student population in Salt Lake County. Families considering this option should review current test scores and academic performance data when making enrollment decisions.
23. West Jordan High School
West Jordan High School serves as a prominent educational institution in West Jordan, Utah. The school has established itself as a key component of the local education system in Salt Lake County.
The high school offers comprehensive academic programs for students in grades 9-12. State testing assessments and enrollment data demonstrate the school’s commitment to student achievement.
West Jordan High School provides various educational opportunities and resources to support student learning. The school focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education and career readiness.
Rankings and statistics reflect the school’s performance within the West Jordan community. Student body demographics show diversity within the enrollment population.
The institution maintains its position as an important educational option for families in West Jordan. Parents and students can access detailed information about enrollment processes and academic offerings through official channels.
24. Valley High School
Valley High School serves 323 students in grades 7-12 in South Jordan, Utah. The school operates as a smaller educational institution within Salt Lake County’s public school system.
Current rankings place Valley High School in the bottom 50% of Utah’s public schools. This positioning reflects the school’s academic performance compared to other institutions statewide.
The school’s smaller student body allows for potentially more individualized attention. Students have access to standard high school curricula and programs typical of Utah public schools.
Valley High School faces challenges in academic achievement metrics. The school works within the broader Salt Lake County educational framework to serve its community’s needs.
Parents considering Valley High School should evaluate the school’s offerings against their student’s specific educational goals and requirements.
25. Ben Lomond High School
Ben Lomond High School serves students in grades 10-12 in Ogden, Utah. The school operates within the Ogden City School District with an enrollment of approximately 1,338 students.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum programs. These programs provide students with college-level coursework and career-focused STEM education opportunities.
Ben Lomond High School ranks in the bottom 50% of Utah public high schools according to recent evaluations. The school faces academic performance challenges compared to other institutions statewide.
Located at 800 Scots Lane in Ogden, the school maintains a comprehensive high school structure. It is one of 11 high schools operating within the Ogden City School District.
The institution provides free meal programs for qualifying families. Students who received free meals in previous years continue with temporary free status at the beginning of each school year.
26. Viewmont High School
Viewmont High School serves 1,538 students in grades 10-12 in Bountiful, Utah. The school operates within the Davis School District, which holds a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.
The school ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Utah. Viewmont has achieved rankings as high as 7th out of 131 Utah high schools in recent years.
Located in Bountiful, the school maintains consistent performance among Utah’s competitive high school landscape. Davis School District ranks 42nd out of 93 school districts statewide.
Viewmont High School performs at average levels compared to other public and charter schools serving similar grade levels in Utah. The school has participated in statewide competitions for academic recognition.
27. Olympus High School
Olympus High School serves 2,167 students in grades 9-12 in Salt Lake City. The school is part of the Granite School District.
The school consistently ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Utah. It maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranks among the top 30 high schools statewide.
Olympus High School operates with a student-to-teacher ratio of 26.0 to 1. It stands as the 31st largest public high school in Utah.
The school is located in the Holladay area, a suburb of Salt Lake City. Students and families can contact the attendance office for absences and scheduling matters.
The school’s academic performance and consistent rankings demonstrate its commitment to educational excellence within the Salt Lake County area.
28. Woods Cross High School
Woods Cross High School serves grades 10-12 as part of the Davis School District. The school operates in Woods Cross, Utah, serving students in the 84087 zip code area.
The school has experienced changes in its statewide ranking over recent years. According to available data, Woods Cross High dropped from 43rd out of 129 schools in 2020-2021 to 70th out of 139 schools by 2022.
Test performance shows the school achieving a 36% combined score, which exceeds the Utah public high school average of 34%. The reading proficiency rate stands at 47%, above the state average of 43%.
Woods Cross High maintains a predominantly white student population. The school represents the primary public high school option for families in the Woods Cross area.
29. Box Elder High School
Box Elder High School serves students in Brigham City, Utah, as part of the Box Elder School District. The school maintains a commitment to providing quality education in northern Utah.
The district emphasizes creating an inclusive environment free from harassment and discrimination. Students receive support through various academic programs and resources.
Box Elder High School operates within a district that has faced some ranking challenges in recent years. The school continues to work toward improving educational outcomes for its student population.
The institution focuses on treating all individuals with dignity and respect. This approach helps create a positive learning atmosphere for students and staff.
Box Elder High School represents one of the educational options available to families in the Brigham City area. The school serves as an important part of the local community’s educational infrastructure.
30. Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers
Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers operates as the career and technical education school for Jordan School District. The institution serves students in grades 9-12 across two campus locations.
JATC maintains facilities in Riverton and on the Jordan Campus of Salt Lake Community College in West Jordan. The school changed its name from Jordan Applied Technology Center to the current designation in 2015.
The academy offers specialized programs including Computer Programming, Welding, and Fire Science. These programs utilize state-of-the-art equipment and are taught by skilled educators with industry experience.
Students benefit from articulation agreements with multiple Utah colleges. These partnerships create seamless pathways for graduates to continue their education or enter careers directly after high school.
JATC focuses on preparing students for both immediate workforce entry and future educational opportunities. The school’s technical programs align with current industry demands and employment trends.
Academic Opportunities and Curriculum
Salt Lake County’s top high schools provide extensive Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment partnerships with local universities. Many schools also feature specialized STEM academies, international programs, and career-focused tracks that prepare students for specific industries.
Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Options
The leading high schools in Salt Lake County offer comprehensive AP programs with 15-25 course options. Students can access subjects ranging from calculus and physics to psychology and world languages.
Academy For Math Engineering & Science provides over 20 AP courses alongside dual enrollment partnerships with the University of Utah. Students earn college credits while completing their high school requirements.
North Star Academy emphasizes dual enrollment through Salt Lake Community College. Their program allows juniors and seniors to take college-level courses in business, healthcare, and liberal arts.
Many schools maintain pass rates above 75% on AP exams. The dual enrollment programs enable students to graduate with 12-30 college credits already completed.
Districts partner with Utah State University and Westminster College for additional course offerings. Students access online and hybrid options when on-campus courses aren’t available.
Specialized Programs and Magnet Tracks
Beehive Science & Technology Academy focuses exclusively on STEM education with specialized tracks in engineering, computer science, and biotechnology. Students participate in research projects with local universities and tech companies.
Several schools offer International Baccalaureate programs that provide globally recognized diplomas. These programs emphasize critical thinking, cultural awareness, and multilingual communication.
Career and Technical Education tracks include healthcare, automotive technology, and digital media production. Students gain industry certifications alongside their high school diplomas.
Arts magnet programs feature conservatory-style training in music, theater, and visual arts. Students work with professional artists and perform at venues throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Language immersion programs offer instruction in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and German. Students achieve fluency while completing standard graduation requirements.
Student Support and Campus Life
Salt Lake County’s top high schools provide comprehensive college and career guidance through dedicated counseling staff and resource centers. These institutions offer diverse extracurricular programs spanning academics, athletics, arts, and community service to support student development.
College and Career Counseling Resources
Most high-performing schools in Salt Lake County maintain dedicated college and career centers staffed by certified counselors. These professionals help students navigate course selection, graduation requirements, and post-secondary planning.
Key counseling services include:
- Individual academic planning sessions
- College application assistance and essay review
- Scholarship search and application support
- Career assessment and exploration tools
- SAT/ACT preparation resources
Many schools partner with local universities like the University of Utah and Utah State University for campus visits and dual enrollment opportunities. Students can earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
Career counseling extends beyond college preparation. Counselors connect students with internship opportunities, trade school information, and direct workforce entry paths. Technical education partnerships allow students to explore careers in engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Schools typically host annual college and career fairs featuring representatives from regional universities, community colleges, and local employers. These events provide direct access to admissions counselors and hiring managers.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Salt Lake County high schools offer extensive activity programs that complement academic learning. Students can participate in honor societies, debate teams, robotics clubs, and student government organizations.
Popular academic clubs include:
- National Honor Society chapters
- Math and science Olympiad teams
- Mock trial and debate programs
- Foreign language honor societies
- Academic decathlon teams
Athletic programs span traditional sports like football, basketball, and soccer, plus specialized options including skiing, lacrosse, and tennis. Many schools compete at the state level in multiple sports categories.
Arts programs feature drama productions, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and visual arts clubs. Students can participate in state competitions for music, theater, and artistic achievement.
Service-oriented clubs connect students with community volunteer opportunities. Environmental clubs, Key Club chapters, and peer tutoring programs help students develop leadership skills while serving others.
These activities provide college application enhancement opportunities while helping students discover interests and develop social connections outside the classroom setting.
