With over 42,000 students, Nebo is the 7th largest school district in Utah. The district operates thirty-one elementary schools (grades K–5), five middle schools (grades 6–7), five junior high schools (grades 8–9), and six high schools (grades 10–12). It also operates various alternative-education programs.[3]
Established in 1912, the current building was finished in 1967, with a new building announced for 2023. The student body comes from Payson, as well as from a number of nearby communities such as Santaquin, Goshen, Genola, and Elberta.[4] The current principal is Jesse Sorenson.[5] The school's mascot is the Lions, named in support for the local Lions Club in 1928.[6][7] Payson High is notable for its use in the popular 1984 film Footloose.[8] Payson was originally inhabited by the indigenous Ute giving Payson historical significance. The city has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate near the average for all cities and towns in the United States. According to FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Payson is 1 in 89.[9]
Spanish Fork High
Originally built in 1962 with a new building having been finished in 2024, Spanish Fork High was the first high school in the Nebo School District. It covers the city of Spanish Fork and outlying communities. The school principal is Matt Christensen. The school mascot is the Mighty Dons, and its colors are red and gray. Spanish Fork has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in the United States.[10]
Opened on August 20, 2008, Salem Hills was the first new high school constructed by the Nebo School District since the 1970s. Students come from Payson, Salem, Elk Ridge, and Woodland Hills. The school principal is Ryan McGuire. Its mascot is a Skyhawk, with school colors light blue, navy blue, and gold.[11] In December 2008, Salem Hills was awarded the "2008 Best K-12 Education Project Design" by the Intermountain Contractors for the State of Utah.[12]
In 2021 the school was awarded the National Performing Arts School of Excellence award, making them the 1st high school in Utah to receive the award.[1]
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