Virtual Tour

Introduction

Welcome to the Waterford School Virtual Campus tour. The Waterford School is Utah's premier independent college-preparatory school for students in Preschool through Grade 12. Founded in 1981, the school instills qualities of independent thought, responsibility, and service as it helps students lay a solid foundation for college and prepares them to lead purposeful and honorable lives.

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Lower School Preschool & Kindergarten to Grade 5

The Lower School is contained in its own building. Waterford's Lower School program is the foundation and beginning of a child's education at Waterford. Reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, computers, art, library, music, P.E. and dance are taught in a nurturing learning environment where each child can be an active, curious and productive learner. Students continue to explore and master foundational skills in Kindergarten through Grade 5.

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Lower School Science

Lower School students receive science instruction with specialists beginning in Kindergarten and they continue working in the Lower School science labs through Grade 5. From zoology, astronomy, meteorology, botany, ecology, earth systems and geology, to human biology and chemistry, Waterford students develop as young scientists.

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Lower School Computer Labs

Lower School students learn in state-of-the-art computer labs, utilizing world-class courseware developed by the Waterford Institute. Individualized instruction affords our students the ability to work at their own pace and receive immediate feedback at “the speed of light”.

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Lower School Art

Visual Arts begin early at Waterford. Well-equipped art classrooms provide time and space for students to explore various art perspectives. From drawing & painting to three dimensional arts including ceramics and sculpture, Lower School students discover their artistic voice.

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Lower School Library

An idyllic retreat, the Lower School library invites all students to discover and learn from two librarians. Time is made available weekly for students to gather for reading, research, and storytelling.

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Lower School Music

From Preschool through Grade 5, music begins early as students discover their singing voice, rhythm, and music appreciation. Later, they learn to sight read, and enjoy playing instruments such as the recorder, ukulele, strings, brass and winds.

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Lower School Gym

Physical education instruction begins in Grade 1. Students develop physically fit lifestyles while developing cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. Teamwork, self-control, sportsmanship, and responsibility are also emphasized.

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Lower School Dance

Students in Preschool through Grade 2 enjoy dance weekly. With an emphasis in modern dance, movement, choreography, and the relationships of positive and negative space, students express themselves with energy and creativity.

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Lower School Playground

In the Lower School we recognize and value the importance of play. Play can develop leadership, sociability, resilience, and be the means of shaping the brain and its pathways.

Experts in education strongly recommend twice-a-day recess in addition to physical education classes. Accordingly, Lower School students enjoy both a morning and lunch recess for every class every day. Students' time on the playground should be fun, with multiple opportunities to practice skills such as good sportsmanship, cooperation and compromise. This time also gives students time to relax, invent their own games, and utilize their natural creativity.

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Dining Hall

Daily, students walk to the Dining Hall to enjoy a nutritious hot lunch with multiple choices from a hot entré meal, to a sandwich and salad bar, to a la carte items. Nothing is fried, all meals are prepared on-site, and students enjoy both indoor and outdoor dining opportunities. Of course, students can also bring a meal from home. A courtyard with benches and patio allow students to enjoy alfresco dining.

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Arboretum

What began as the vision of a few science teachers has turned into a school-wide experience walking through an arboretum with a full array of native plants, small animals and birds. A nice retreat from the busy pace, students can be seen taking a moment to contemplate or just to relax.

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Athletic Fields

Waterford students are great athletes and approximately 75% of Upper School students compete on varsity teams. Competitive sports give Upper School students the opportunity to develop their athletic skills and learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, competition, and sportsmanship. Waterford is a major force in Utah’s High School Activities Association 2A division.

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Quads

Similar to college campuses in New England, buildings at Waterford are organized around “Quads” which are meant to encourage interaction among students, faculty and parents. Additionally, these open spaces encourage students to relax in the outdoors and take in the breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountain range.

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Middle / Upper School Art

Our impressive range of visual arts classes for emerging young artists include painting and drawing, ceramics, sculpture, color theory, digital and traditional photography, and graphic design. Dedicated art students can elect to take the Advanced Placement track in 2-D or 3-D art.

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Middle / Upper School Photography

Waterford offers an unsurpassed Middle and Upper School photography program. Dedicated students can take over four years of coursework, including AP Photography. From traditional film-based photography to the sophisticated processes of digital photography, students will complete a program that rivals that of many colleges.

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Middle / Upper School Humanities

The courses in the Humanities represent roughly one-third of a student's course of study. Waterford students complete a comprehensive program in English, History and Foreign Language. They become critical thinkers, analytical writers, and fluent in a second language

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Middle / Upper School Math

From Pre-Algebra through the second year of college calculus and statistics, Waterford students complete a vertical curriculum in mathematics that truly prepares them for college admission and careers of the 21st century.

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Middle / Upper School Library

The Middle/Upper School library provides students with a quiet place to read, study, research or relax. The library is completely automated with Internet access. It contains 11,000 volumes, 650 non-print items, 60 periodicals, four newspapers, and online databases.

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Middle / Upper School Science

Waterford students learn the basics of good science, including clear writing, close and accurate observation, and the ability to support assumptions with solid evidence. Courses in biology, chemistry and physics, are supplemented by AP biology, AP chemistry, and AP physics courses. A wide range of elective and term courses are offered, including robotics, marine biology, history of science, molecular biology, geoscience, and Utah natural history.

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Middle / Upper School Gym

Physical education becomes a source of fun and adventure as students develop skills in individual and team sports and activities, including golf, weight training, outdoor adventure, aerobics, racquetball, lacrosse, mountain biking, skiing, sand volleyball, and trail running. Participation with any sports team also fulfills core physical education requirements.

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Middle / Upper School Performing Arts

This extraordinary building speaks to the expansive opportunities afforded Waterford students in the performing arts. The Performing Arts building contains a Concert Hall, a Black Box Theater, two dance studios, a graphic arts computer lab, and multiple performance, ensemble and practice rooms. Each student fulfills multiple years of training in either a concentrated program or a sampling of varied experiences.

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Amphitheater

An outdoor amphitheater/lecture space complements the arboretum so that learning can continue in the tradition of the ancient Greeks.

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