How to Start Homeschooling in Utah
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Utah, it’s a good idea to do your research first, as homeschool laws vary by state. Whether you’ve homeschooled before in another state, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in luck!
Homeschooling in Utah gives you almost complete freedom and flexibility. The laws are lenient and easy to remember. As long as you follow the rules, your family will be set!
Homeschooling in Utah at a Glance
Utah – The Beehive State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | None required |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | N/A |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
You do not have to be qualified to homeschool in Utah.
Notice of Intent
To homeschool in Utah, you need to file an affidavit with your local public school district. Your district may provide you with one, or you can use the one here. All students listed on the affidavit will be withdrawn and exempted from the compulsory attendance law.
Attendance
Utah does not require a certain amount of days or hours of instruction. Parents have full control over when they teach and what their schedule looks like. If your family needs a fully customizable school schedule, Utah is a great place to homeschool.
Homeschool Curriculum
Utah does not require any specific subjects be taught. Instead, the Utah homeschooling laws leave the curriculum up to each family. Parents can teach whatever they would like, and students have the freedom to pursue any special interests.
Parents can make their own homeschool curriculum or purchase one of their choosing. It’s best to choose a curriculum that meets the most needs possible, with little supplementation. Thankfully, there are plenty of curricula online, as well as other parental resources available.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! To ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, so you can feel confident that your child is getting a great education!
Testing
Utah’s homeschool requirements don’t include any standardized testing at this time. However, students are encouraged to take the SAT and ACT for college readiness.
Record Keeping
Homeschool families in Utah are not required to keep any records. However, keeping a homeschool portfolio is a great way to track your child’s progress. Portfolios can help you keep track of items such as:
- Courses
- Final grades
- Test scores
- Completed projects
Transcripts
If your student is college-bound, they will likely need a high school transcript for their application. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Homeschoolers in Utah graduate whenever their parents decide they’re ready to! Parents can tailor the high school courses to their child’s needs and decide when they are ready to graduate.
Not sure when your student will be ready? Many parents reference the Utah Core Standards, which explain the educational goals for each grade level and subject. Parents will also have to provide a high school diploma for their child upon completion.
Students who need a more widely recognized diploma can get a high school equivalency diploma by taking the GED. To register for the Utah GED, click here.
Financial Resources
Utah has what is known as the Parent Choice in Education Program, which provides funding for eligible homeschool families. Your child should be between ages 6-18 and have been homeschooled for at least a year before applying. You will also need to provide curriculum details for each student. If accepted, your family can receive $8,000 yearly per student.
For students with disabilities, families can receive up to $10,700 per year for homeschool expenses or private school tuition with the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship. To be eligible, a student must have a valid IEP or evaluation and may not be enrolled in public school.
Finally, Utah also offers the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP). The UESP is a 529 investment account intended to help families save for educational costs.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling and how to find other homeschool groups in Utah, check out:
- School District and Homeschool Responsibilities from the Utah State Board of Education
- Social & Support Groups from Homeschool Hub Utah
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Utah homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I start homeschooling in Utah?
To start homeschooling, you need to submit an affidavit stating your intent to homeschool to your local school district. Then, pick a curriculum and start teaching! There are no requirements for attendance, subjects, testing, graduation, or record keeping. You get to have full control over your child’s Utah home education.
Does Utah pay for homeschooling?
The Parent Choice in Education Program can provide up to $8,000 per student for eligible homeschool families. Also known as the Utah voucher program, students must meet the age requirements and have been homeschooled for at least a year. You must also submit curricula samples with your application.
Information accurate as of: 06/05/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.