The school opened in 1978 and is situated on a 37-acre site which enjoys an unobstructed view of both Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges. School is in session for 180 days per year on a traditional 9-month calendar. Students attend four eighty minute classes each day on an alternating block schedule.

Alta offers football, basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, cross country, soccer, volleyball, ballroom, drill team, cheerleading, wrestling, swimming, diving, hockey, track & field, lacrosse, rugby union, bowling, and other athletic clubs.

Alta's athletic teams have captured state championships in football and boys' track, gymnastics, boys basketball, girls basketball, girls' cross country, baseball, softball, boys' soccer, girls' soccer, boys' tennis, and girls' tennis.  In 2007-08, Alta captured 5A state championships in Football and Girls Soccer. In 2008-09, Football, Girls Tennis, Boys Cross Country, and Girls Soccer. In 2009-10, Girls Soccer and Boys Basketball. In 2010-11 Girls Basketball and Boys Soccer.