Responsibility to Educate Your Child
Compulsory Education
53G-6-202. Compulsory education. State legislation defining compulsory education and acts of truancy as well as enforcement.
Utah Code Truancy -- Notice of truancy -- Failure to cooperate with school authorities (53G-6-203) Describes how notice will be given for a student who has been non-compliant.
Utah Code Individual Freedom In Public Education (HB 427) This bill ensures that all instructional materials and classroom instruction are consistent with the principles of inalienable rights, equal opportunity, and individual merit.
Utah Code Compulsory Education (53G-6-202) The law aims to cultivate informed citizens, contribute to the public good, and ensure children develop the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
Constitutional Law-Religious Liberty (Article I, Section 4) Prevents religious persecution and ensures freedom of conscience, prohibiting any union of church and state and preventing public funds from supporting religious activities.
Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962) Supreme Court's ruling which determines that government-sponsored prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.
Alternative Educational Options
Flexibility in Education
Alternative School Environment Options: For students attending a public school, there are provisions in the Utah Code that allow parents to request changes to their child's educational environment within the school they are already attending. These options are outlined as parental rights to reasonable academic accommodations.
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Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-803. Parental right to academic accommodations.
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(3) This section states that a Local Education Agency (LEA), which includes local school districts and charter schools, "shall reasonably accommodate a parent's initial selection of a teacher or request for a change of teacher."
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(6)(a) This part of the code requires an LEA to "reasonably accommodate a parent's written request to place a student in a specialized class, a specialized program, or an advanced course."
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These provisions give parents the legal standing to formally request a different teacher or a move to a different academic setting within the same school, based on their child's needs.
Differentiated Start or Stop Times are available through flexibility in scheduling, typically determined at the local level (by the school district or charter school) and is often tied to a student's individual needs, particularly for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Plan for College and Career Readiness. Consult your local school district policies, if applicable, discuss as part of an existing IEP or other individualized learning plan.
Differentiated Exit and Entrance Locations are logistical and safety procedures are determined by the individual school and its LEA.
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USBE Board Rule R277-400. School Facility Emergency and Safety.
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This rule mandates that LEAs establish procedures regarding access to public school buildings. This is in the broader context of emergency and safety planning, not individualized daily access. Exceptions could be made on a case-by-case basis for students with specific safety or accessibility needs, which would be arranged directly with the school administration.
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Accelerated Programs
R277-707 Board Rule Enhancement for Accelerated Students
Adult Education
R277-733: Adult Education Programs
Charter School Options
Utah State Charter School Board Website
Utah Code Charter School Enrollment
Dual Enrollment
R277-438 Board Rule Dual Enrollment
Extra-Curricular Involvement
Gifted and Talented
- USBE Rule R277-707: Defines gifted and talented programs and outlines procedures for LEAs applying for state funding.
- Local Control: LEAs establish their own methods to identify and serve gifted and talented students, with the purpose of providing extended or accelerated opportunities.
- Diverse Services: Services can include accommodations in the regular classroom, pull-out programs, advanced classes, varied grouping strategies, enrichment, acceleration, differentiation of curriculum, dual enrollment, magnet schools, and academic competitions.
- Parental Rights (Senate Bill 122): An LEA must reasonably accommodate a parent's written request to place a student in a specialized class or advanced course, considering multiple academic data points.
Homebound Students
General Information for Homebound Students
Primary Children's Educational Resources for Families
Home Schooling
You may notify your local school district of residence at any time. This can be by phone, email, or in person.
Districts have local authority over their process in accordance with 53G-6-204.)
H.B. 209 Homeschool Amendments
Utah Code 53G-6-204. School-age children exempt from school attendance
Special Education Rules in regard to Home School (see page. 172)
Utah System of Higher Education
Utah Fits All Scholarship
Online Learning Options
R277-726 Board Rule Statewide Online Education Program
Statewide Online Education Program
Utah Code-State Online Education (53F-4-5)
- USBE Rule R277-309-3 (and SOEP Guidance Manual): Mandates that all districts offer access to online learning, broadening course access and providing flexibility for secondary students.
- Student Eligibility: Home and private school students may also participate in SOEP.
- Part-time/Full-time Options: Students can use online courses to supplement their current education or pursue a fully online curriculum.
- Flexibility in Time, Place, and Pace: Online learning environments like Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA) and Mountain Heights Academy emphasize flexible schedules and individualized pacing.
Work-based Programs
R277-915 Board Rule Work-based Learning Programs
- USBE-supported: LEAs can design and implement WBL programs that combine structured learning with authentic work experiences through industry and education partnerships.
- Credit for Demonstrated Mastery: WBL allows for credit to be earned for demonstrated mastery, including towards core high school graduation requirements.