In the state of Utah we recognize that home schooling can be an option for many families.  Here is how to navigate that process as well as contact information for any questions you might have.

How to start the process:  The parent shall provide a one-time initial "notification" to the local school board of the school-age child's district of residence.

H.B. 209 Homeschool Amendments Clarifies when notification to homeschool is required from parents; removes the requirement for parents to submit an affidavit for students who begin homeschooling at the start of an academic year; removes the requirement for parents to attest to criminal background history; establishes procedures for local school boards to process letters of intent; removes liability from local school boards after student unenrollment; and makes technical changes.

53G-6-702.  Dual enrollment  Defines Dual enrollment and the rights for parents for dual enrollment purposes.  

Note:  If a student is utilizing UFA funding, the student needs to identify themselves as a UFA student to the school/district and will need to be enrolled differently for funding and tracking purposes.  Please use the contact below for more information.

Utah Homeschooling Laws: 2026 FAQ for Parents

Utah Homeschooling Laws: 2025 FAQ for Parents

• • What is Homeschooling?
    • Homeschooling is when parents choose to educate their child outside of the public school system. Parents are responsible for deciding what, when, and how their child learns.
  • Who do you need to notify to start?
    • You must notify your local school district that you plan to homeschool your child. This notice is only required once for each child. You do not need to submit a new notice every year.
  • Are parents still required to go through a background check?
    • No. Utah law does not require parents to provide criminal background information when they notify the school district that they will homeschool.
  • Do parents have to follow a particular curriculum:
    • No. Utah does not require homeschool families to use a certain curriculum, textbook, or program. Parents may choose the learning materials and subjects that work best for their child.
  • What are the requirements for days and hours of instruction of a home-schooled student?
    • Utah law does not require homeschool families to follow a set number of school days or instructional hours. School districts also may not require parents to keep attendance records or records of instruction.
  • Does a parent need a teaching license or college degree to homeschool?
    • No. Parents do not need a teaching license, college degree, or special training to homeschool their children.
  • Can the school district tell me what or how to teach?
    • No. Parents are responsible for choosing the curriculum, learning materials, teaching methods, and schedule. The school district may not evaluate or supervise the homeschool program.
  • Can schools provide textbooks or other resources?
    • Yes, at the school’s/district’s discretion.

For the most current information, visit the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) website or review Utah Code §53G-6-204.

Learning Resources

See our Learning Resources Page within the Parent Portal which provide numerous resources as well as learning standards.

Military Families Home School Resources

  Hill Airforce Base Home School Resources and SupportDepartment of the Airforce School Liaison Program.

Special Education and Homeschooling in Utah

• Can a homeschooled student be evaluated for special education?
  
  • Yes. The local school district is responsible for finding, identifying, and evaluating students with disabilities who live within the district, including homeschooled students.
• What if I do not want my child evaluated?
  
  • A parent must give permission before an initial special education evaluation or a reevaluation can take place. If a parent does not give permission, the school district is not required to identify the student as eligible for special education services.
• Does a homeschooled student have a right to special education services?
  • No. A student who is homeschooled full-time does not have an individual right to receive the same special education and related services that are available to students enrolled in public school full-time.
• Can a homeschooled student receive special education services?
  • Possibly. If a homeschooled student is eligible for special education, the school district may choose to provide services through a services plan. The district decides whether services will be offered and what services, if any, will be provided.
• Who decides where and when services are provided?
  • If the district provides services, the district decides where and when those services will take place.
• What if my child is enrolled in both homeschool and public school?
  • A student who attends both homeschool and public school is considered dually enrolled.  Students who are dually enrolled may receive special education and related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the classes or portion of the day they attend public school. The IEP team determines what services are needed for the student to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
• Is a homeschool considered a private school?
  • No. Under Utah law, a homeschool is not considered a private school.

Additional Resources

Utah Code 53G-6-204.  Describes various reasons for school-age children exempt from school attendance

Utah Fits All Scholarship  Agency section page for more information. This is for k-12 home schooled students only.

National Merit Scholarship  Graduating home schoolers can apply for the National Merit Scholarship.  See NMS home page for more information.