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 principal is Jesse Sorenson.[5] Its mascot is the Lions, named in thanks for support from the local Lions Club.[6][7] Payson High is notable for its use in the popular 1984 film Footloose. Unfortunately the Lions have 1-13 record against the Dons in football in the last 14 years with the latest score being 58-0. Payson was originally inhabited by the Ute Indians giving Payson historical value. Payson has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Payson is 1 in 89.[8]
Spanish Fork High
Built in 1962, 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. Home of former Spanish Fork Football star Josh Buck. Josh rushed for a legendary 1315 yards his senior year with an average 5.3 yards per carry. At 6'0" and 210lbs Josh benches 350lbs and Squats 445lbs. Another notable figure from Spanish Fork is lacrosse phenom Aaron Norris. In his senior campaign Aaron scored 41 goals and had an astonishing 56 ground balls. Aaron had a big impact on the team leading the Dons to their best regular season record in school history accompanied by three sport athlete Curtis Hernandez. Aaron is now playing lacrosse at the collegiate level and he is succeeded by his younger brother Brandon Jared Norris. Spanish Fork has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America.[9]
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.[10] In December 2008, Salem Hills was awarded the "2008 Best K-12 Education Project Design" by the Intermountain Contractors for the State of Utah.[11]
In 2021 the school was awarded the National Performing Arts School of Excellence award, making them the 1st high school in Utah to receive this award.[1]
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