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The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
© 2013-2024
Stoughton, MA 02072
info@responsiblehomeschooling.org
media@responsiblehomeschooling.org
(617) 765-7096
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
© 2013-2024
Utah
Homeschool Statute
“A local school board shall excuse a school-age minor from attendance, if the school-age minor’s parent files a signed and notarized affidavit with the school-age child’s school district of residence.” See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204.
Parents must submit “affidavit” that includes the district of residence and states that “the school-age minor will attend a home school” that “the parent assumes sole responsibility for the education of the school-age minor” and that they have not been convicted of certain specified violent crimes against children. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(a). This affidavit remains in effect for the duration of homeschooling, and parents need only file a new affidavit if the student moves to another school district. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(b). Each year, the school district must issue “a certificate stating that the school-age minor is excused from attendance for the specified school year.” See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(f).
None. Utah law explicitly prohibits the school board from requiring that homeschooling parents hold any credentials. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(d).
None. Utah law explicitly prohibits the school board from requiring parents to maintain attendance records for home education. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(d). Parents were previously required to provide instruction for the same length of time as the state’s public schools, but this requirement was repealed in 2014.
None. Parents were previously required to provide instruction in the same subjects required to be taught in the state’s public schools, but this requirement was repealed in 2014.
None.
None. Utah law explicitly prohibits the school board from requiring standardized testing or other testing of homeschool students. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(d).
Utah law explicitly prohibits the school board from requiring parents to maintain attendance records for home education, requiring that homeschooling parents hold any credentials, inspecting homeschool facilities, or requiring standardized testing or other testing of homeschool students. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(d). Utah does include educational neglect in its definition of neglect. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-210
The homeschool statute states that parents are solely responsible for the selection of instructional materials and textbooks, the time, place, and method of instruction, and the evaluation of the home school instruction. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(c). “Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or discourage voluntary cooperation, resource sharing, or testing opportunities between a school or school district and a parent or guardian of a minor attending a home school.” See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(4)(a).
Services Available to Homeschooled Students
Yes. Homeschooled students are eligible for dual enrollment. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)(a)(ii).
Yes, upon eligibility determination by the local school board. See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-1004.
Yes. All public schools must offer testing to any students with disabilities within their districts. Further, homeschooled students may be able to obtain disabilities services through dual enrollment in their local public school.
“Upon the request of a parent, a local school board shall identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies a student is recommended to attain by grade level and subject area to assist the parent in achieving college and career readiness through homeschooling.” See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204(2)€.
Background:
Before SB 39 was signed by the governor on April 1, 2014, state law required homeschooling parents to provide instruction in the same subjects required to be taught in the state’s public schools. This bill was ostensibly repealed to give parents more freedom to educate their children as they see fit, but in practice legalized educational neglect in the state.
Resources:
Here’s how to report educational neglect. Have you reported educational neglect in this state? Please tell us about your experience.
See Utah Code Ann. § 53G-6-204.
Home School, Utah State Office of Education
Frequently Asked Questions about School District Responsibilities and Home Schools, Utah State Office of Education
Utah, International Center for Home Education Research
This overview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the giving of legal advice. Last updated April 2023.