Canyons School District provides various educational programs and services for residents in Cottonwood Heights, a community with a population of 33,617 as of April 1, 2020. The district manages several educational facilities, including Oakdale Elementary, located at 1900 Creek Rd. in Cottonwood Heights.
For families considering early childhood education, the district offers preschool and kindergarten programs. According to a Canyons School District news release published on December 8, 2025, the district hosts open house events to introduce parents to its early childhood philosophy, which includes child-initiated and hands-on learning and a research-based curriculum. These events, which are free and open to the public, allow parents to ask questions regarding vaccination requirements, eligibility, and the differences between full-day and half-day kindergarten. For the 2026-2027 school year, the district's enrollment period for kindergarten students runs from January 14 through February 27, 2026. Parents who prefer a half-day schedule are asked to declare that preference via email to their school's principal by February 27, 2026. For preschool, the district accepts applications for tuition-based programs. The cost is set at $100 per month for a two-day-a-week schedule or $200 per month for a four-day-a-week schedule. Students must be three or four years old on or before September 1, 2026, to be eligible for preschool.
The district's financial impact on local residents is reflected in property tax rates. According to a 2025 tax rate file listing from Salt Lake County, the Canyons School District carries a tax rate of .0030530. Residents in certain areas also see a Canyons School Debt rate of .0011680. Additionally, a Canyons School Judgment rate is recorded at .0013790.
Administrative leadership and school-level governance are also in place. At Butler Elementary School, which is located at 2700 East 7200 South, Jeff Nalwalker serves as principal, according to the 2019-2020 Butler ES Family Handbook. The handbook notes that the Butler Elementary Building Leadership Team (BLT) helps guide decisions and develops school policy. The district also manages school boundaries and mergers; for example, the Canyons School District was reported to be heading into fall 2026 with a Bella Vista-Ridgecrest merger taking effect in Cottonwood Heights.
As of July 16, 2026, the district was also facing a proposed tax increase hearing set for August 4, 2026. The district's administration, including Early Childhood Program Administrator Stephanie Petersen, works to provide resources to help parents prepare children for their first day of school. Students who are new to the district and do not have a Skyward Family Access account must create one to receive important information from their school.
What this means for Cottonwood Heights
For Cottonwood Heights residents, the Canyons School District provides essential educational services and preschool options. Families must track specific enrollment dates in early 2026 to secure spots for the upcoming school year. Additionally, residents see the district's funding reflected in their annual property tax assessments and specific district tax rates.
