A Short History of the School

After founding the school in 1989 as Carden Academy, Mrs. Frances Johnson and Mrs. Patricia Russell served as its first administrators. The Academy was established in memory of David Johnson. David, a fourth grader at Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City, was killed by an intoxicated driver while David stood on a street corner with his father. The bronze statue of a young boy outside the Pre-K classroom memorializes David’s happy spirit.

The guiding vision of the Academy has always been to engage eager students and dynamic teachers with relevant, challenging curriculum in a supportive environment informed by Christian ideals of love and kindness to all.

The Academy began with 30 students in rented hotel space in Kimball Junction. The first wing of the current school building on West Pinebrook Road was completed in 1991. As the school prospered and grew during the 1990’s, the second, south wing was added. When the founders chose to reduce their school responsibilities, Mr. Rob Brown successfully led the school as Principal. In 2001 the schools’ name was changed to reflect the move from the Carden curriculum, and Mr. Steve Diehl became Headmaster. Mr. John Gutman followed Mr. Diehl as Interim Headmaster.

Mr. Charles Sachs, an independent school graduate, teacher, coach and administrator, became Park City Academy’s sixth Head in 2007. A graduate of Colgate University and Middlebury College, Mr. Sachs previously served as Head of School at Barstow School in Kansas City and Pulaski Academy in Little Rock. He lives nearby the Academy with his wife and children, including two boys who attend Park City Academy’s Middle School.