According to the most recent data from World Population Review, Utah is projected to have a population growth rate of 1.72% in 2025, ranking 3rd among all U.S. states. There are a variety of reasons that families are flocking to the Beehive State — whether it is for job opportunities in Utah’s growing economy, a superb quality-of-life experience, or to have immediate access to the outdoors, the Wasatch front provides a robust and fulfilling lifestyle.
As you consider a move to Utah, we can help highlight some important factors to examine. Rest assured that the Waterford Admissions Team is here to help you and your family every step of the way in the transition to Utah.
Utah’s state motto, “industry,” was officially adopted in 1959, and the motto still rings true today. Not surprisingly, Utah ranks #1 in US News’s state economy rankings. Families may find themselves moving to Utah for job opportunities in the Silicon Slopes. With a favorable business start up environment, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the greater Salt Lake area.
While exploring neighborhoods to move in relation to office sites, Waterford’s campus is centrally located in Sandy. Waterford attracts families from the reaches of Farmington in the north, Park City in the east, and Utah County in the south. A bus service with Waterford allows for easy transportation for students along the Wasatch Front. As an independent school removed from district lines, Waterford celebrates the richness in diversity of students coming from various places.
Utah has consistently been recognized as one of the top five happiest states in the nation. It’s no surprise, given the vast opportunities for outdoor recreation. Utah boasts five national parks, 15 world-class ski resorts, and a major ski resort expansion. Its snow is famously known as “The Greatest Snow on Earth” by ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
Situated at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Waterford’s campus enjoys a stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. In fact, you’ll hear members of the Waterford community refer to the Wasatch mountains as an extension of our campus. And rightfully so—Waterford students participate in Ski and Ride programs at Snowbird, and the Middle and Upper School Outdoor Programs set off on regular excursions in the mountains. Even the Murray Science Center is intentionally designed in parallel harmony with the mountain range, serving as a visual reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the land.
Utah has a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theater, concert venues, sports venues, and festivals taking place throughout the year. Utahns can enjoy NBA games with the Utah Jazz, soccer with Real Salt Lake, baseball with the Salt Lake Bees, and hockey with our newest team, the Utah Mammoth. The Winter Olympics will return to Utah in 2034.
In the tradition of the liberal arts, Waterford students partake in the richness of Utah’s cultural offerings as they study performing arts, visual arts, athletics, science, math, and the humanities. It would not be unusual to see a Waterford student leaving the photo lab dark room, with a lacrosse bag on one shoulder and their violin in the other hand. Waterford is a place for students to dive into the liberal arts and expand their curiosity.
The Admissions Team at Waterford School is delighted to assist you and your family as you look for the right school match in your relocation. Whether it’s a phone call to discuss the application process or guidance toward the most fitting school and area to settle, the team can lend a friendly and helpful hand in the process. We hope you’re able to visit us and tour our picturesque 41-acre campus to fully understand the excitement of the Waterford School and to be in the company of our welcoming community of teachers and students.
Avery Shrader joined Waterford School in the fall of 2024. She brings experience from her previous roles in Public Affairs at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Admissions at Copper Hills Youth Center. During her college years, she also worked as a nurse assistant, gaining valuable hands-on experience in patient care.
Avery earned a B.S. in University Studies with a focus in Disability Law and Advocacy from Utah Valley University. Her degree was driven by her passion for accessible education and her commitment to supporting students transitioning from high school to higher education. Her advocacy work remains an important part of her life.
Avery enjoys time with her family, especially her baby boy. She enjoys walking or biking through her neighborhood, reading, and traveling whenever possible.
November 17, 2025
August 14, 2025
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Celebrate 5 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2021. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2021 Reunion
Celebrate 10 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2016. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2016 Reunion
Celebrate 15 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2011. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2011 Reunion
Celebrate 20 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2006. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2006 Reunion
Celebrate 25 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2001. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2001 Reunion
Come together with Waterford alumni from across the entire 1990s for an evening of reconnecting and reminiscing! This combined reunion is a chance to celebrate the friendships, memories, and moments that made your Waterford years so special. Enjoy hearty appetizers and a variety of drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, while catching up with old friends and sharing laughs about your school days.
Register for the 90’s Reunion
Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 – 11:30 AM | Murray Science Center
We’re bringing back birding! Who remembers the Class IX Bird Project? Don’t miss your chance to join this fun, family-friendly event with Mark Bromley, James Harris, Mike Johnson ‘88, and Bekka Joslin. We will meet at Waterford and take a bus together. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars (we will have extras on hand if you don’t have your own).
Register Here!
Friday, May 15 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | East Field
We’re excited to see Waterford Alumni at our annual Alumni Soccer Game! This Waterford tradition gives former players the chance to return to the field, reconnect with old teammates, and showcase their skills in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you played with us just a few years ago or several decades ago, we look forward to seeing you back on the field. Make sure to bring friends and family to cheer you on!
Friday, May 15 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Main Quad | No Registration Required
Join us for a fun BBQ bash at Waterford with current families and Waterford staff and faculty. It’s a great way to connect with your Waterford classmates and enjoy delicious food before the Alumni Soccer Game!
No registration is needed for the Spring BBQ. Please join us!
Friday, May 15 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Haught Visual Arts Gallery at Waterford | No Registration Required
Waterford has always been a place where creativity thrives. Join us for the first-ever Alumni Art Show in the Haught Visual Arts Gallery and reconnect with the creative spirit that shaped your time here. This exhibition features work by 16 Waterford Alumni artists, reflecting a range of disciplines, perspectives, and practices.
Brief Remarks at 4:00 pm will be offered by Gallery Manager and Curator Charlie Tadlock, followed by remarks from some of the Alumni Artists.
Click here for a campus map
Friday, May 15 | 2:15 – 3:30 PM | Miller Student Commons | Registration Highly Recommended
Ever wish you could go back and sit in your favorite class one more time? This Alumni Weekend, you can. We’re bringing you back “Back to Class” where you’ll have the chance to slip into a real, live Upper School classroom and experience Waterford exactly as it exists today. Same teachers, same energy, same magic. Come relive the feeling.
Friday, May 15 | 12:45– 1:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
Don’t leave lunch just yet. Immediately following the Kick-Off, Head of School Andrew Menke will take a few minutes to share what’s been happening at Waterford; the changes, the milestones, and the exciting things on the horizon. It’s a chance to hear straight from the source about the school you helped shape and where it’s headed next. No sign-up needed, just pull up a seat.
Friday, May 15 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
Kick off Alumni Weekend the right way — with good food and even better company. Join us in the new Miller Student Commons for Waterford’s all-inclusive dining experience, and spend the lunch hour reconnecting with the faculty who made your time here unforgettable. Pull up a chair, catch up with old favorites, and let the weekend begin. No registration is required for this event.
Friday, May 15 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
For many of you, Assistant Head of School, Todd Winters, was the first person who ever showed you and your parents around our 41 acre campus. Now he’s back to do it again! Todd will lead you through Waterford’s beautiful newest additions and recent transformations, giving you a firsthand look at what your years here helped build. Whether it’s your first tour with Todd or your second, you won’t want to miss this one.