Our History

Park City Academy began as Carden Christian Academy in 1989. Mrs. Frances Johnson and Mrs. Patricia Russell founded the school in memory of David Johnson, a fourth grader at Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City, who was killed by a car while standing on a street corner. Beginning with 30 students in rented hotel space, the Academy engaged eager students and dynamic teachers with relevant, challenging curriculum in a supportive environment to provide the very best preparation possible for the students’ academic and professional success, as well as their personal happiness. 

In 2007, Park City Academy realigned its mission from an affiliation with the Association of Christian Schools International to a more secular focus as a Candidate Member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS), now the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).

In 1998 The Colby School was founded by seven teachers from the Park City school system who shared a different vision: a school that challenged students academically, provided them with a safe learning community, and taught children to treat each other with respect. The founders named the school Colby, in honor of a student who overcame immeasurable personal challenges, improved his academic achievement, and became a classroom leader. From the outset, beginning with 22 students, The Colby School emphasized integrating curriculum units and experiential learning across subject areas to present students with multiple ways of learning. Outdoor education outings and service learning programs provided Colby students with a sense of place within their school and local communities.