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10:1 student-to-teacher ratio at Rowland Hall independent private school in Utah.
A Guide To Independent Private Schools: When To Consider Private vs. Charter vs. Public Education for Your Child

Choosing your child’s educational path can be a difficult decision further complicated by many options—from homeschooling, to online education, to public vs. charter schools, to private and independent schools.

Parents and caregivers must carefully consider their student’s individual needs and their goals for their child, and then balance those against their family’s time and resources.

As you weigh your options on where to enroll your child, use this guide to help you recognize when it’s worth considering private education. At Rowland Hall, a leading Utah independent private school, our friendly admission team can help answer any questions you may have as you consider your student’s future. To learn more about Utah’s leading independent private school, Rowland Hall, browse our website.

When Your Child Needs Academic Rigor and Accelerated Learning

Gifted and talented students may struggle in school if they aren’t academically challenged. An advantage of private school is that, due to small classes and the flexibility to teach the most meaningful, relevant curriculum possible, your child will be held to high academic standards, and consistently encouraged to take risks and strive for improvement.

Private education at an independent school is more comprehensive and holistic, catered toward caring for the whole child. Where public schools offer electives, private schools may require those electives as prerequisites for graduation, giving your child a more well-rounded school experience that includes arts, music, ethics, and community service.

According to a report by Gallup and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), “NAIS graduates scored higher on the ACT and SAT, on average, and were more engaged as seniors in high school” than graduates from public and non-NAIS private high schools.

Higher academic rigor and a curriculum that promotes applied learning often produce better results. According to a report by Gallup and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)—of which Rowland Hall is a member—“NAIS graduates scored higher on the ACT and SAT, on average, and were more engaged as seniors in high school” than graduates from public and non-NAIS private high schools.

Rowland Hall sets the standard for teaching and learning excellence. Our teachers receive constant training and support to stay abreast of best practices and maximize outcomes for students. Our students, in turn, receive a strong knowledge base in math, science, world languages, English, and history. They’re offered electives in choral and instrumental music, theatre, dance, visual media, debate, physical fitness, and competitive sports. Plus, Rowland Hall students have unique access to experiential, hands-on, and inventive courses that include field studies and class trips.

As your student progresses, Rowland Hall’s Upper School offers more than 25 advanced and honors courses to challenge and engage our high-performing students. 

When Your Child Needs a Lower Student-to-Teacher Ratio

At Rowland Hall, the student-to-teacher ratio is 9 to 1. 

Why is this important?

A lower student-to-teacher ratio allows more interaction and encourages your child to increase their participation level. Teachers will truly know your child, celebrate their individuality, and provide guidance, instruction, and feedback that’s appropriate for their learning style.

In public schools with large student-to-teacher ratios, educators may need to teach to the middle of the class, potentially neglecting students at the upper or lower end of the academic spectrum. Students who have different learning styles and would benefit from more personalized attention may fall through the cracks.

When College Is Your Goal

NAIS graduates progress through college more consistently—and are more likely to seek out key undergraduate opportunities associated with positive long-term outcomes—than public and non-NAIS private high school graduates.—NAIS-Gallup report

Rowland Hall offers a college-preparatory program that has helped thousands of students attend and excel at institutions for higher education. According to the NAIS-Gallup report, the college matriculation rate is nearly 100 percent for students who attend NAIS schools. Plus, "NAIS graduates progress through college more consistently—and are more likely to seek out key undergraduate opportunities associated with positive long-term outcomes—than public and non-NAIS private high school graduates."

In our Upper School, your student will work closely with our college counselors to find and gain admission to the institution that best fits their academic interests, career goals, and financial considerations. In a typical year, our seniors earn admission to over 100 colleges and universities across the world, and perhaps more importantly, about three-quarters of them receive at least one merit scholarship.

When You Want Your Personal Values to Align with the School’s Mission

At private and independent schools, there is an emphasis on values, ethics, and community service. Many of these schools hold students to high ethical standards, and teachers and coaches weave relevant life lessons into classes and extracurriculars alike. When compassion and empathy are part of a school’s culture, young learners are less distracted by disciplinary problems. Students who have experienced bullying or social anxiety in public schools often find the inclusive and welcoming culture of Rowland Hall to be a refreshing change. 

Many independent schools don’t stop at a culture of kindness—they encourage students to take action outside the classroom. Community service opportunities instill a sense of civic duty and emphasize the importance of contributing to society. At Rowland Hall, we promote the pursuit of not only academic excellence, but personal excellence as well.

Our five core values are:

  • Think Deeply 
  • Learn for Life
  • Welcome Everyone
  • Live with Purpose
  • Relationships Matter

When You Want to Develop a Well-Rounded Person Who Will Positively Impact the World

Contrary to popular belief, accredited independent schools aren’t narrowly focused on academic rigor, high test scores, and ensuring all alumni attend elite colleges. Rather, many private programs help students understand how they fit into a large, diverse world.

When private schools prioritize caring for the whole child, students’ social-emotional health becomes paramount. Contrary to popular belief, accredited independent schools aren’t narrowly focused on academic rigor, high test scores, and ensuring all alumni attend elite colleges. Rather, many private programs help students understand how they fit into the larger world. Independent school teachers and mentors instill in students how the knowledge they acquire can be applied to help a diverse society, and not just used for material gain.

At Rowland Hall, social-emotional learning is central to the student experience. Our youngest learners practice identifying emotions and expressing themselves in constructive ways. As students grow, we focus on positive peer interactions, empathy, increased personal responsibility, and making good choices. Students interested in digging deeper and making a difference are encouraged to join related clubs and committees, from sustainability to social justice. And throughout our students’ journeys, our dedicated, expert counselors meet with students in groups and individually to ensure they feel supported.

When to Choose Rowland Hall, a Leading Utah Independent Private School

When choosing between types of schools in Utah—private vs. charter vs. public schools—parents need to do their due diligence. Due to low or no tuition, Utah’s charter schools seem like the perfect cross between public and private schools; however, in terms of academic performance, charter schools may not rank any higher than neighboring public schools. According to the think tank the Brookings Institution, "charter school students, in general, perform about the same as their matched peers in the traditional public schools." And here in Utah—as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, KUTV, and other outlets—some charter schools are prompting questions around oversight, money management, and effectiveness.

Before making a decision on whether to send your child to a private school, a charter school, or a public school, consider attending one of our admission events or contacting our admission team to arrange an outdoor visit. They can also answer your specific questions or connect you with Rowland Hall students or alumni to help you get a sense of school culture, academic expectations, and extracurricular activities. Let us help you assess your student’s needs and determine whether our curriculum and program is the best fit for your family. 

Our two campuses are conveniently and centrally located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We offer preschool through high school and a robust tuition-assistance program, and we’re committed to our value of welcoming everyone. We’ve found that the most meaningful learning occurs in a school community of people from various backgrounds, encompassing differences in the human experience—ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more.

Inquire here.

School Choice

A Guide To Independent Private Schools: When To Consider Private vs. Charter vs. Public Education for Your Child

Choosing your child’s educational path can be a difficult decision further complicated by many options—from homeschooling, to online education, to public vs. charter schools, to private and independent schools.

Parents and caregivers must carefully consider their student’s individual needs and their goals for their child, and then balance those against their family’s time and resources.

As you weigh your options on where to enroll your child, use this guide to help you recognize when it’s worth considering private education. At Rowland Hall, a leading Utah independent private school, our friendly admission team can help answer any questions you may have as you consider your student’s future. To learn more about Utah’s leading independent private school, Rowland Hall, browse our website.

When Your Child Needs Academic Rigor and Accelerated Learning

Gifted and talented students may struggle in school if they aren’t academically challenged. An advantage of private school is that, due to small classes and the flexibility to teach the most meaningful, relevant curriculum possible, your child will be held to high academic standards, and consistently encouraged to take risks and strive for improvement.

Private education at an independent school is more comprehensive and holistic, catered toward caring for the whole child. Where public schools offer electives, private schools may require those electives as prerequisites for graduation, giving your child a more well-rounded school experience that includes arts, music, ethics, and community service.

According to a report by Gallup and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), “NAIS graduates scored higher on the ACT and SAT, on average, and were more engaged as seniors in high school” than graduates from public and non-NAIS private high schools.

Higher academic rigor and a curriculum that promotes applied learning often produce better results. According to a report by Gallup and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)—of which Rowland Hall is a member—“NAIS graduates scored higher on the ACT and SAT, on average, and were more engaged as seniors in high school” than graduates from public and non-NAIS private high schools.

Rowland Hall sets the standard for teaching and learning excellence. Our teachers receive constant training and support to stay abreast of best practices and maximize outcomes for students. Our students, in turn, receive a strong knowledge base in math, science, world languages, English, and history. They’re offered electives in choral and instrumental music, theatre, dance, visual media, debate, physical fitness, and competitive sports. Plus, Rowland Hall students have unique access to experiential, hands-on, and inventive courses that include field studies and class trips.

As your student progresses, Rowland Hall’s Upper School offers more than 25 advanced and honors courses to challenge and engage our high-performing students. 

When Your Child Needs a Lower Student-to-Teacher Ratio

At Rowland Hall, the student-to-teacher ratio is 9 to 1. 

Why is this important?

A lower student-to-teacher ratio allows more interaction and encourages your child to increase their participation level. Teachers will truly know your child, celebrate their individuality, and provide guidance, instruction, and feedback that’s appropriate for their learning style.

In public schools with large student-to-teacher ratios, educators may need to teach to the middle of the class, potentially neglecting students at the upper or lower end of the academic spectrum. Students who have different learning styles and would benefit from more personalized attention may fall through the cracks.

When College Is Your Goal

NAIS graduates progress through college more consistently—and are more likely to seek out key undergraduate opportunities associated with positive long-term outcomes—than public and non-NAIS private high school graduates.—NAIS-Gallup report

Rowland Hall offers a college-preparatory program that has helped thousands of students attend and excel at institutions for higher education. According to the NAIS-Gallup report, the college matriculation rate is nearly 100 percent for students who attend NAIS schools. Plus, "NAIS graduates progress through college more consistently—and are more likely to seek out key undergraduate opportunities associated with positive long-term outcomes—than public and non-NAIS private high school graduates."

In our Upper School, your student will work closely with our college counselors to find and gain admission to the institution that best fits their academic interests, career goals, and financial considerations. In a typical year, our seniors earn admission to over 100 colleges and universities across the world, and perhaps more importantly, about three-quarters of them receive at least one merit scholarship.

When You Want Your Personal Values to Align with the School’s Mission

At private and independent schools, there is an emphasis on values, ethics, and community service. Many of these schools hold students to high ethical standards, and teachers and coaches weave relevant life lessons into classes and extracurriculars alike. When compassion and empathy are part of a school’s culture, young learners are less distracted by disciplinary problems. Students who have experienced bullying or social anxiety in public schools often find the inclusive and welcoming culture of Rowland Hall to be a refreshing change. 

Many independent schools don’t stop at a culture of kindness—they encourage students to take action outside the classroom. Community service opportunities instill a sense of civic duty and emphasize the importance of contributing to society. At Rowland Hall, we promote the pursuit of not only academic excellence, but personal excellence as well.

Our five core values are:

  • Think Deeply 
  • Learn for Life
  • Welcome Everyone
  • Live with Purpose
  • Relationships Matter

When You Want to Develop a Well-Rounded Person Who Will Positively Impact the World

Contrary to popular belief, accredited independent schools aren’t narrowly focused on academic rigor, high test scores, and ensuring all alumni attend elite colleges. Rather, many private programs help students understand how they fit into a large, diverse world.

When private schools prioritize caring for the whole child, students’ social-emotional health becomes paramount. Contrary to popular belief, accredited independent schools aren’t narrowly focused on academic rigor, high test scores, and ensuring all alumni attend elite colleges. Rather, many private programs help students understand how they fit into the larger world. Independent school teachers and mentors instill in students how the knowledge they acquire can be applied to help a diverse society, and not just used for material gain.

At Rowland Hall, social-emotional learning is central to the student experience. Our youngest learners practice identifying emotions and expressing themselves in constructive ways. As students grow, we focus on positive peer interactions, empathy, increased personal responsibility, and making good choices. Students interested in digging deeper and making a difference are encouraged to join related clubs and committees, from sustainability to social justice. And throughout our students’ journeys, our dedicated, expert counselors meet with students in groups and individually to ensure they feel supported.

When to Choose Rowland Hall, a Leading Utah Independent Private School

When choosing between types of schools in Utah—private vs. charter vs. public schools—parents need to do their due diligence. Due to low or no tuition, Utah’s charter schools seem like the perfect cross between public and private schools; however, in terms of academic performance, charter schools may not rank any higher than neighboring public schools. According to the think tank the Brookings Institution, "charter school students, in general, perform about the same as their matched peers in the traditional public schools." And here in Utah—as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, KUTV, and other outlets—some charter schools are prompting questions around oversight, money management, and effectiveness.

Before making a decision on whether to send your child to a private school, a charter school, or a public school, consider attending one of our admission events or contacting our admission team to arrange an outdoor visit. They can also answer your specific questions or connect you with Rowland Hall students or alumni to help you get a sense of school culture, academic expectations, and extracurricular activities. Let us help you assess your student’s needs and determine whether our curriculum and program is the best fit for your family. 

Our two campuses are conveniently and centrally located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We offer preschool through high school and a robust tuition-assistance program, and we’re committed to our value of welcoming everyone. We’ve found that the most meaningful learning occurs in a school community of people from various backgrounds, encompassing differences in the human experience—ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more.

Inquire here.

School Choice

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Explore More Tips for Parents

Three fifth graders share with prospective students their favorite things about Rowland Hall.
7 Reasons to Choose Rowland Hall, as Shared by Three Fifth Graders

By Nicky C., Kyeran G., and Nora S.

Hi, and welcome to Rowland Hall. We’re so glad you’re considering our school!

First, let us introduce ourselves. We’re Nicky C., Kyeran G., and Nora S., and we’re all fifth graders at Rowland Hall.

We think Rowland Hall is a great school and want you to get an idea of why it’s so special here. As three kids who have been at the school for many years (Nicky started in kindergarten, Kyeran in 4PreK, and Nora in 3PreK), we know a thing or two about Rowland Hall—and we want to share them with you.

1. It’s easy to make friends.

We know the most important thing you’re thinking about is if you’ll make friends at Rowland Hall. The answer is yes! Making friends is easy at Rowland Hall—students are kind, and the school helps everyone feel like they belong. This is really important because it’s easier to learn when you have friends and feel safe at school.

2. Our community is welcoming.

One of the great things about Rowland Hall is that the adults are so nice. The teachers are very welcoming, and can help if you are having a hard day. They’re also understanding, and if you need help, they are always there to help you. And no matter who you are, you’re accepted at Rowland Hall. There is a place for everyone here. We even have affinity groups for students with divorced parents, learning differences, and other identifiers, so you’ll be supported by kids and adults who understand you.

3. You can attend Rowland Hall from preschool through high school.

At Rowland Hall, kids can start as young as three years old and attend all the way through high school. This means if you like the school, you can stay here! This is great because then you don’t have to start over at a new school that has its own ways of doing things, you can remain with your friends, and you can get to know the teachers better.

4. Our classes are small and we learn about a lot of fun stuff.

At Rowland Hall, our classes are small, so we get more focus from teachers. We also get to take specialty classes, which are a great way to find out about different subjects and exercise your brain. Specialties include science, art, music, Spanish, and TREC, which stands for technology, robotics, engineering, and coding.

5. Our playground is the best.

We love learning, but it’s also nice to have breaks. Rowland Hall has a great recess program, which is important because more recess helps your brain (it’s scientifically proven!). Our playground is so fun and has a basketball court, sandbox, playset, four-square courts, and a large field with enough room for football.

6. Students have lots of fun experiences.

There are many fun activities at Rowland Hall. We can’t name them all, but a few of our favorites include field trips to places like Timpanogos Cave, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the Great Salt Lake (which you get to do with the 11th graders when you’re in fourth grade). We also love the Buddy Program, which connects kids in the lower and beginning schools, and the fifth-grade internship program.

7. We have a fun before-school and after-school program called Extended Day.

Extended Day is a great way to do some extracurricular activities, with lots of classes happening on all days of the week. Some of the classes/clubs include Pokémon Club, chorus, karate, fencing, and music lessons. If you aren’t there for classes, you can hang out in the dining hall or on the playground and do your homework if you really want. You can even go there if you’re in the Middle School. Extended Day is so much fun, and it’s also really helpful for families that need childcare before or after school.

We hope these examples helped you get a better idea of why Rowland Hall is such a great place. There’s so much more to learn about our school, so we definitely recommend you visit campus—you might even meet one of us while you’re here! Ask your parents or caregivers to reach out to our admission team for more information.

About Nicky C.
Nicky’s favorite subjects at school are recess, math, science, and TREC. He also loves to play soccer and basketball, both during and after school, take chess lessons, and draw. His favorite places to travel are California, to visit his grandparents, and Mexico.

About Kyeran G.
Kyeran’s favorite school subjects are math and PE because he gets to learn so many new and fun games. When he’s not at school, he likes to skateboard and play with his dog, a Labrador whose DNA has been labeled 10% mystery.

About Nora S.
Nora’s favorite thing to do at school is to write, and her favorite thing to write is fantasy fiction. She also loves reading, playing volleyball, doing gymnastics, and going to the beach (especially in Oregon!).

Choosing a School

Independent school Rowland Hall shares what to expect when applying for financial aid for the independent school.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process at Rowland Hall

Like other private independent schools, Rowland Hall is independently funded, relying on tuition to offer an exceptional education to the PreK through 12th-grade students who attend our two Salt Lake City, Utah, campuses.

While tuition is a major source of funding for the school, Rowland Hall believes that an independent education should not be out of reach for families unable to pay the full tuition. As a result, we provide over $4 million in financial aid and scholarships to students each year. Rowland Hall financial aid awards are grants, not loans, and do not have to be repaid, and are available to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

At Rowland Hall, we are committed to understanding each family’s individual circumstances to determine financial aid eligibility and appropriate awards. A family should never assume they are not eligible for aid, or that any financial aid examples they may see online are complete; the only sure way to know if you qualify, and how much you qualify for, is to work directly with a school financial aid professional. Rowland Hall Director of Financial Aid Rebecca Mueller Jones guides each family through the financial aid journey.

What to Expect When You Apply for Financial Aid at Rowland Hall

1. Explore Rowland Hall, Then Fill Out an Admission Application

Before you apply to Rowland Hall—including for financial aid—it’s important to determine if our school is right for your family. Begin by contacting our Admission Department via the inquiry page. After inquiring, you may also choose to attend an admission event or take a virtual tour to help make your decision.

If your family determines that you’d like to apply to Rowland Hall, please begin or complete an admission application before starting a financial aid application.

2. Prepare Your Financial Documents

Rowland Hall uses Clarity, a financial aid software used by many private and independent schools that award financial aid. To ensure the smoothest process, we recommend that you gather necessary financial documents—including W2s or 1040s, and mortgage interest, banking, and investment statements—before beginning the financial aid application.

3. Fill Out Your Financial Aid Application

After gathering financial documents, you are ready to begin the application.

  • Create an account in Clarity. Keep track of login information, as you will need it to return to the system. (You can fill out an application over multiple sessions.)

  • The application will first ask for basic demographic information to help determine eligibility. After completing these questions, eligible families will pay an application fee of $60, which can be done with a credit or debit card. (A fee waiver may apply in certain situations; please contact the director of financial aid with questions.)

  • Clarity allows you to tie your tax information from the IRS directly to your application, so in most cases there is no need to upload additional documents.

After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by Rowland Hall’s four-person Financial Aid Committee. Your personal information, as well as any awarded aid, is only shared with this committee and is always kept confidential. If necessary, the director of financial aid may reach out to you with follow-up questions that will help the committee make an informed decision.

Please be aware that financial aid priority for the upcoming school year is given to applications submitted by the admission deadline. The due date for admission and financial aid applications for 2025–2026 is January 31, 2025; both applications must be fully completed by this date.

4. Review Financial Aid Decision and Follow Up as Requested

All families receive communication regarding Rowland Hall’s financial aid decisions. Contracts and financial award letters for 2025–2026 will be available in Rowland Hall’s admission portal on March 1, 2025.

If your family receives a financial award letter, you’ll accept that award by signing the provided contract and returning it to Rowland Hall by the required date, along with a non-refundable deposit of 10% of your tuition amount. Receipt of a signed contract and deposit locks in your financial aid package and secures your student’s, or students’, place for the next school year. Families also choose a payment plan at contract signing.

Want more information on Rowland Hall’s financial aid process? Contact Director of Financial Aid Rebecca Mueller Jones at rebeccajones@rowlandhall.org or 801-924-5947 to get started. We also invite you to visit our admission RSVP page if you would like to attend a virtual open house or a small group tour of our Utah independent private school campuses.

Financial Aid

From financial aid to scholarships, there are ways to make private education affordable.
6 Top Tips to Make Utah Private School Education More Affordable

By Rowland Hall

In recent years, many families have been investigating private and independent schools when deciding on their children’s education.

As a result, financing private school tuition has become a top concern. While costs can seem staggering, paying for your child to attend a private school doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing process. From financial aid to scholarships, there are a variety of financing options available—and you might be surprised to find out that a private school education is more affordable than you think.

If you’re considering private school enrollment for your child, here are six ways to make it affordable for your family.

How to Make Utah Private School Education Affordable for Your Family

1. Take Advantage of Financial Aid 

Rowland Hall's need-based financial aid program considers every family’s unique circumstances, with the goal to match your financial means with a realistic tuition contribution.

In an Enrollment Management Association report, The Ride to Independent Schools 2020–2021, 47% of parents reported they did not apply for financial aid because they thought they would not qualify.

At Rowland Hall, all families with financial need are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Our need-based financial aid program considers every family’s unique circumstances, with the goal to match your financial means with a realistic tuition contribution. We currently provide more than $4 million per year in financial aid and scholarships to students in grades K–12, with most recipients receiving 50% or more in tuition assistance.

2. Apply for Need- and Merit-based Scholarships

Many private schools offer a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Rowland Hall donors have established scholarships for students who possess both specific talents or qualifications and who demonstrate financial need.

As with any scholarship, be sure to carefully review all eligibility requirements, application dates, and application requirements to give your family the best possible chance to earn additional assistance.

3. Set Up a Payment Plan

The thought of paying full tuition all at once can be daunting, but there are often options to split tuition into multiple payments instead of paying one lump sum. Rowland Hall offers three payment options for families, including one-, two-, and nine-payment plans.

4. Look into a Loan

If you qualify for financial aid but need assistance with a portion of tuition, or if you have simply crunched your budget as much as possible and it’s still not balancing, consider applying for a tuition loan, which can help offset any remaining costs outside of your financial aid package.

A tuition loan may also be a good option for families that don’t qualify for financial aid.

5. Talk to Your Tax Expert

Recent changes to a new tax bill now allow parents to withdraw funds from a 529 account not only for college tuition but also for K–12 private education. Parents can withdraw up to $10,000 per year tax-free for tuition, and Utah residents may also earn a state tax credit for their contributions to the plan. Talk to your tax advisor for more information on 529 college savings plans.

6. Consider a School Voucher or Tax-Credit Scholarship

If you’re considering admission at a Utah private school, there are school voucher and tax-credit scholarship options for qualifying families, including the Carson Smith Scholarship, launched in 2005, which provides eligible families with vouchers to attend private schools.
No matter your financial situation, Rowland Hall is committed to making exceptional education affordable for every family, so be sure to explore every available opportunity.

Investing in Your Child’s Future

When families are considering private education, they are often seeking smaller class sizes, higher academic achievement, and college preparedness.

Placing students in small groups tends to foster close working relationships between teachers and students, thus enhancing learning.

At Rowland Hall, our student-teacher ratio is 9 to 1, and our average class size is 15 students. According to research from the US Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, placing students in small groups tends to foster close working relationships between teachers and students, thus enhancing learning.

In the same piece of research, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), showed that private school students performed higher than public school students on the NAPE:2000 tests. Additionally, their average scores were above those of public school students on the fourth-grade reading test and on the fourth, eighth-, and twelfth-grade science and mathematics proficiency tests.

Beyond intimate learning conditions and a commitment to academic achievement, our curriculum at Rowland Hall is enriched with experiential, hands-on, and inventive courses, as well as electives spanning everything from music, dance, and debate to robotics and competitive sports.

You Belong at Rowland Hall

At Rowland Hall, we are committed to empowering every student to reach their full potential in an inclusive school community. Since our founding in 1867, we have grown to occupy two urban campuses in Salt Lake City, where we support nearly 1,000 students in preschool through high school who are learning to become deep thinkers ready for a dynamic tomorrow.

Interested in learning more about Rowland Hall? Visit our admission page to contact our admission team and to hear from families who have made the decision to invest in an exceptional education.

Affordability

graphic of hosts of the Principals podcast
PrinciPALS Podcast Episode 5.01: A Panel Discussion on ‘The Anxious Generation’

Listen below or on Apple Podcasts.

The princiPALS are back with an episode about the parenting book that seems to be everywhere right now: Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

This episode features a panel discussion about the book, with four childhood experts weighing in on topics including balancing screen time with productive play, protecting children’s mental health, helping children process what they see online, and even making changes to your family’s social media decisions (it’s never too late!). Whether or not you’ve read the book, this episode will help you better navigate the challenges that face today’s families.

Episode resources:

Panelist biographies:

  • Emily Quetone Khan is Rowland Hall’s director of learning services for grades PreK–5. She has 20 years of experience in PreK–12 education as a special education classroom teacher, inclusion specialist, and learning specialist, and as a leader in public, charter, non-public, non-traditional, and independent school settings across the United States.
  • Deborah Wright is Rowland Hall’s emotional support counselor for grades PreK–5. As a school counselor working in different schools and settings, Deborah has partnered with organizations such as Communities In Schools, Partners in Education, Stewards of Children, and various other stabilization and community wraparound programs.
  • Jessica Kahn has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 20 years, specializing in sensory processing disorders and various developmental motor deficits and diagnoses. She is the owner of Blue Sky Therapeutics, which has served Summit County, Utah, for the past 18 years.
  • Michele Catten is a licensed clinical social worker at Full Circle Yoga & Therapy. She specializes in directive and non-directive play therapy to help children process and heal developmental challenges and traumas.

Read the episode transcript.

Parent Education

You Belong at Rowland Hall