Choosing a high school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent. And if you're exploring charter schools for the first time, it can feel like a lot to sort through. The good news: you don't have to guess. There are a few straightforward things to look at that will tell you pretty quickly whether a school is the right fit for your student.
Here's what we'd encourage every family to consider.
1. Ask what the school actually offers beyond core classes
A good charter high school should give your student more than just the standard course lineup. Look for programs that open real doors — whether that's Career and Technical Education (CTE) that connects classroom learning to actual career pathways, early college access so students can earn college credits before they graduate, or arts programs that give creatively inclined kids a place to genuinely develop their skills. At Rockwell, students have access to all three. Our CTE program covers a range of career-focused pathways, our early college program lets motivated students get a head start on higher education, and our drama program has taken first place at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. These aren't add-ons, they're built into how we do school here.
2. Find out what happens when a student struggles
Every high schooler hits a rough patch at some point — a subject that isn't clicking, a semester where life gets complicated, or a time when they just need someone in their corner. Ask any school you're considering: what does support actually look like here? Is there tutoring available, or does a struggling student just fall further behind? At Rockwell, we have in-house tutoring built into the school day, a mentoring program, and a Teen Center that provides real support — not just academic, but personal. Smaller class sizes also mean teachers notice when a student needs help before it becomes a crisis.
3. Look at the school's accountability record
Charter schools in Utah operate under an agreement with the State Charter School Board, and they have to earn the right to keep their doors open by meeting academic, financial, and operational standards every year. That's a level of accountability that doesn't exist for every school. Before you enroll anywhere, ask how the school has performed on state assessments and what their accountability history looks like. A school that's transparent about its performance record, and can explain what they're doing to keep improving — is one worth trusting with your student.
4. Think practically about location and schedule
One of the real advantages of a charter school is that you're not limited to your neighborhood school. Families from Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Lehi all attend Rockwell, and for many of them the commute is very manageable. But it's worth thinking through honestly: how will your student get there each day, and does the schedule work for your family? It's also worth knowing that Rockwell offers both on-campus and online learning options, which gives families more flexibility than a traditional school calendar typically allows.
If you'd like to see the school in person before deciding, we'd love to have you. Schedule a tour here or call us at (801) 789-7625. The lottery for grades 7-12 opens May 2 — enroll now to get your student in the running.