Homeschooling Regulations by State: Utah

by Christina Yeager

Making the decision to homeschool doesn’t have to be intimidating. Simply knowing the state laws and regulations where you live can ease most of the stress! Each state is different with the laws set forth to for home education. The homeschooling laws in Utah are few but at the same time very important to follow in order to be in compliance. If you’ve had any doubt about homeschooling your children in the State of Utah, doubt no more! We know how you can get started quickly and easily.

---

Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
​
The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

---

Utah's regulations are simple. Comply by the compulsory school age law and file the necessary paperwork! 

Compulsory School Age	All children in the State of Utah must be enrolled in school by the time they turn six years old and attend until the age of eighteen.  Exception: If a teen is at least sixteen years of age and has not turned eighteen yet, and has completed the eighth grade, the teen may file for a partial release from the school board to work or attend a trade school. Also, if the child is aged sixteen through eighteen, they may get a full release if they have enough academic credits to graduate.
Necessary Paperwork	A signed and notarized affidavit must be filed for each student wishing to homeschool. After filing this document with the school board, they will receive a Certificate of Acknowledgment from the school district in no later than 30 days and the certificate will be re-issued each year by August 1st. There is no need to file for subsequent years if you still reside in the same school district. An example of the affidavit can be found on the state Board of Education website.
Formally Withdrawing From Public School	The Utah State Board of Education suggests contacting your local district on what their process may consist of. Each district has their own rules and regulations.

Visit the Utah State Board of Education online to find more information!

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

---