Paradigm High School, Sandy, 9-12. Paradigm is described as a classical liberal arts school, aiming to build a solid foundation in the core fields of language, literature, history, science, mathematics and the fine arts. Students study the masters and source documents of each course, and employ Socratic discussion, multiple modes of learning, hands-on project applications and individual mentoring to build the higher-order skills of analysis and proficiency in reading, writing and speaking. See www.paradigmhigh.com.

Renaissance Academy, Lehi, K-8. The school's goal is to bring the Renaissance era and the modern information age together. Like DaVinci, Helen Keller and Galileo, exploring minds will see significance and connectedness in all subjects giving place for curiosity to translate into contribution. Foreign language begins in kindergarten, with multiple choices available in grades six through eight as part of the international baccalaureate program. See www.renacademy.org.

Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts, 9-12, Salt Lake City. In partnership with the Salt Lake City School District, SLSPA's goal is to provide students with specialized training in the arts while still maintaining a rigorous academic program. Students will attend their traditional core classes at Highland High and their performing arts-related classes at a newly constructed facility on the Highland High campus. See www.saltlakespa.org.

Spectrum Academy, North Salt Lake, K-8. The school targets children with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome and provides an enhanced curriculum to meet the needs of each student individually. Learning is multi-sensory to accommodate all learning styles. Social skills training will be broken down into individual steps so that students can learn to better interact with people, and the school's design, lighting and colors are geared to ASD learners. See www.spectrumcharter.org.

Syracuse Arts Academy, Kaysville, K-6. The school aims to provide a challenging, accelerated curriculum where academic excellence, character development and individual growth are nurtured. All parents are asked to volunteer, and the curriculum is enhanced by a comprehensive focus on the arts to demonstrate proficiency through performance. See www.syracuseartsacademy.org.