Utah School Choice
School choice in Utah refers to the range of publicly supported options that allow families to direct their child’s education beyond the traditional assigned public school. Utah offers one of the broadest school choice landscapes in the country, including the universal Utah Fits All Scholarship, the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship for students with disabilities, tuition-free public charter schools, magnet programs, and open enrollment transfers. Depending on the program, families may access between $4,000 and $11,000+ per student per year in direct education funding — or enroll in tuition-free public alternatives at no cost.
Utah Fits All
The Utah Fits All Program is a universal education savings account (ESA) program that provides state-funded scholarships to eligible K-12 students in Utah. This Utah school choice program offers up to $8,000 per student for a variety of educational expenses. Eligible expenses under the program include private school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials, allowing families to customize their child’s education.
Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program
The Utah Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (CSOS) Program provides scholarships for students with disabilities to attend private schools or be homeschooled in Utah. This program ensures students with disabilities receive the educational support they need in an appropriate setting.
Charter Schools
Utah has supported public charter schools since 1998. These tuition-free schools operate independently of local school districts and are open to all students statewide. Charter schools provide specialized academic programs and flexible models within the public education system.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Seeking Private School Tuition Help
Utah Fits All Scholarship (up to $8,000); or Carson Smith for students with disabilities
Transferring from Public School to Private
Utah Fits All or Carson Smith (note: must withdraw from public school)
Homeschooling
Utah Fits All ($4,000 ages 5–11; $6,000 ages 12–18); Carson Smith for homeschoolers with disabilities
Seeking a Free Public Alternative
Charter schools, magnet schools, or open enrollment transfers
Caring for a Student with Disabilities
Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (up to ~$11,235
Frequently Asked Questions
Is school choice available to all families in Utah?
Yes. Utah’s school choice options are available to all K–12 students who are residents of the state. Some programs (such as the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship) have additional eligibility requirements, like a qualifying disability.
Can my child use a scholarship and still attend public school?
No. Students receiving Utah Fits All or Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship funds must withdraw from public school (including charter schools) before funds can be disbursed. Limited individual services may still be accessible if the program allows.
Can I combine multiple school choice scholarships?
No. A student cannot receive the Utah Fits All Scholarship and the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship in the same school year. Families must choose one program.
Is the Utah Fits All Scholarship still available despite the court ruling?
Yes. Although a district court ruled the program unconstitutional in April 2025, the court did not halt the program during the appeal. The Utah Fits All Scholarship continues to accept applications and disburse funds while the case is reviewed by the Utah Supreme Court.
What can I spend ESA funds on?
Utah Fits All Scholarship funds can be used for private school tuition and fees, tutoring, curriculum and instructional materials, educational software, testing fees, special needs therapies, after-school and summer programs, transportation (up to $750/year), and other approved educational expenses.
Are charter schools really free?
Yes. Charter schools are publicly funded and do not charge tuition. They are open to any Utah resident and use a lottery for admission when applications exceed available spots.
Can homeschooling families use school choice programs?
Yes. The Utah Fits All Scholarship provides funding to homeschool families ($4,000 for ages 5–11; $6,000 for ages 12–18). The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship also supports homeschool students with disabilities. Homeschool students cannot simultaneously be enrolled in a public school.
Do school choice funds carry over from year to year?
No. Utah Fits All Scholarship funds do not carry over. Unused funds are recaptured at the end of each school year and redistributed in the following year.