Wasatch Academy: An Investment in Global Preparedness

For many families, the cost of education, particularly private education, is a significant consideration. While public high schools offer tuition-free education, private schools often provide distinct advantages that some parents find worth the investment. Wasatch Academy, located in Mount Pleasant, Utah, stands out as a unique institution focused on preparing students for a globally connected world.

The Rising Cost of Education

The financial landscape of education has shifted dramatically. The average tuition for a public college in the United States hovers around $26,000 per year, totaling approximately $104,000 for a four-year degree. This figure underscores the growing concern parents face regarding college affordability. The cost of private high schools can be significantly higher, with many exceeding $50,000 annually.

Private School Advantages

Despite the high price tag, private schools offer a range of benefits that attract families. These advantages often include:

Flexibility in Curriculum Design: Private schools have more autonomy in designing their curriculum, allowing them to tailor programs to meet specific student needs and interests.
Smaller Class Sizes: With fewer students per class, private schools can provide more individualized attention and support.
Single-Sex Education Options: Some private schools offer single-sex education, which can cater to specific learning styles and preferences.
Enhanced Quality of Education: Private schools often boast higher standardized test scores and a greater emphasis on academic rigor.

Wasatch Academy: A Closer Look

Wasatch Academy distinguishes itself as the most expensive private school in Utah. The academy costs $71,000 per year. Wasatch Academy's yearly tuition is a substantial investment.

Mission and Values

Wasatch Academy emphasizes preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world by fostering diversity and inclusivity in their studies. The academy aims to cultivate innovators who take responsibility for their actions and value community engagement.

Academics

Wasatch Academy offers a college preparatory program for students in grades 8-12 and postgraduate studies. The available AP and advanced courses include: AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chinese Language & Culture, AP Computer Science, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Precalculus, AP Psychology, AP US History and AP World History.

Campus and Location

Wasatch Academy's location in central Utah offers a unique experience. While Mount Pleasant is a rural town, its proximity to Provo and Salt Lake City provides students with access to urban amenities and opportunities. The campus itself spans 35 acres.

Community and Culture

Wasatch Academy fosters a close-knit community with a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average class size of 10 students. The school's focus on student-centered activities and an attentive faculty creates a supportive learning environment. Wasatch Academy was founded in 1875 on the philanthropy of the Presbyterian church. Since transitioning to an independent school in 1974 Wasatch Academy has relied on the generosity of its alumni, parents, and friends to meet the school's fiscal needs.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Recognizing the financial commitment required, Wasatch Academy offers financial aid to eligible families.

Clarity Application

Wasatch Academy uses the Clarity Application to assess a family's financial need based on their assets, income, expenses, and debts. The application process typically takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed on various devices.

Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy

The Plitt Loan

Through the generosity of The Clarence Manger and Audrey Cordero Plitt Trust, Plitt loans may be available to families needing additional support to attend Wasatch Academy. These loans allow families to pay for tuition in regular monthly installments at competitive interest rates, over a five-year period after graduating from Wasatch Academy.

The Wasatch Fund

The Wasatch Fund is opportunity. Like most independent schools Wasatch Academy has three sources of revenue: tuition, the Wasatch Fund, and interest from endowment. Your support of the Wasatch Fund is a crucial part of our revenue. The 1875 Club unites over 5,500 living Wasatch Academy alumni under one network spanning all corners of the globe. Each Fall we host Tiger Nation Day -Wasatch Academy's annual day of giving. Each gift on Tiger Nation Day helps provide an exceptional student experience at Wasatch Academy. Most gifts to Wasatch Academy come in the form of cash. Such gifts entitle you to a federal income tax charitable deduction if you itemize your return. Pleasant, Utah 84647 To wire-transfer funds to Wasatch Academy, you must provide your bank with specific routing information from Wasatch Academy. Please ask your bank to include specific information regarding the designation of your gift with the wire transfer. Recurring gifts are a convenient way to donate to the school. This option allows you to transfer a specified amount to the school from your bank account or credit card at regular intervals. The benefits of recurring gifts are two-fold: (1) You do not have to remember to take action during each of your preferred donation periods.(2) The school is able to plan more accurately for potential uses of your gift. Monthly recurring gifts of $18.75 receive automatic membership into the 1875 Club and its benefits. Some donors choose to give securities (usually appreciated securities) to Wasatch Academy. If you are preparing to transfer assets to the school, please notify us at (435) 462-1481. Employers frequently offer matching gifts or other special incentives for individuals who make a charitable donation. These gifts can significantly increase the impact of your donation. Contact your human resources department to find out if your company offers matching gifts. If you are interested in making a bequest or another long-term gift, contact your estate planner and connect with: Director of Development & Alumni Relations Wasatch Academy 120 South 100 West Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647 (435) 462-1481 If you have already included Wasatch Academy in your estate, please let us know so that we can formally recognize you as a Liberal Hall Society member and thank you for your thoughtful legacy planning. All major gifts of assets work to support the mission and values of Wasatch Academy. Information about Wasatch Academy to include in your will or beneficiary forms: Legal Name: Wasatch Academy Address: 120 South 100 West, Mt. A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a type of giving program that allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to easily support your favorite charities. Planned Giving Making a planned gift shows your support and appreciation for Wasatch Academy while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate planning, and philanthropic goals. One of the easiest ways to benefit Wasatch Academy is to include a bequest in your will. Bequests provide you flexibility in making your estate plans and are a very effective way to accomplish many goals. There are several ways to make distributions in your will. The following language may assist you and your financial advisor: Percentage of Estate: This allows for flexibility and changes in estate assets over time. “I give, devise, and bequeath to Wasatch Academy % of my estate.” Specific Dollar Amount: This allows you to reach a specific gift level. “I give, devise and bequeath to Wasatch Academy the amount of $___.” Specific Property: Identifies specific property or items you wish to give - “I give, devise, and bequeath to Wasatch Academy the following property __.” (be sure to identify locations) Residue of Estate: Whatever is left after other bequests have been granted. Life insurance can be used to make a charitable gift by naming Wasatch Academy as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Such a gift provides you with a charitable income tax deduction equal to the current value of the policy or net premium payments, whichever is less. It is also possible to purchase a new policy, naming Wasatch Academy as owner and beneficiary.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing a private high school is a significant decision. Parents should carefully consider various factors to ensure the chosen institution aligns with their child's needs and family values.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Verify that the school meets regional and national educational standards.

Curriculum and Programs

Examine the school's academic rigor and specialty programs to ensure they match the child's learning style and interests.

Student-to-Teacher Ratio and Faculty Qualifications

Ensure personalized attention and quality education by considering the student-to-teacher ratio and the qualifications of the faculty.

Extracurricular Activities

Explore the school's offerings in sports, arts, and clubs to understand the holistic development opportunities available.

Reviews and Testimonials

Gather candid perspectives on the school's environment and culture by reading reviews and speaking with current students and alumni.

Campus Visit

Gain a deeper understanding of the school's daily operations and ethos by visiting the campus, attending open days, and meeting with staff.

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