Homeschool Getting Started

Now for the nuts and bolts
The things you should read through, just so you know

Note: Wasatch Home Educators Network is not providing legal advice. This is information we have gathered in our own research. We highly encourage you to research Utah Homeschooling Laws to the best of your ability and understanding.

Our hope is that this can be a starting point for you.

Homeschool Laws in Utah

Quick Review

Utah is considered a “Low Regulation” state for Homeschooling.

Homeschooling laws in Utah are specifically outlined in UT Code § 53G-6-204(2).

Children ages 6-18 are required to be enrolled in school (or homeschool)
Homeschool notification is required with the local school board
No teacher qualifications required to homeschool your children
No state mandated subjects required
No assessment requirements
No immunization requirements

Step 1: File an affidavit with your local school board

Step 2: Provide instruction to your children

It’s easy!

It can also feel intimidating – we completely understand. Below we’ve included lots of details to answer any questions you might have.

If we’ve left something out or you still have questions, please reach out and we’ll try to point you in the right direction. You’re not alone! Hello@whenonline.org

File an Affidavit

Utah law allows you to submit your own affidavit.

Creating your own affidavit can be simple – you may use one provided by your school district, use one of the samples provided below, or use these samples as tools to help you make your own.

Must be signed by the parent and a notary public
- Be sure not to sign until you are in front of the notary! For free notary services, try your bank or credit union, or call the school board office to find out if they have a notary on staff who will be available when you come to bring your form.
Each child to be homeschooled must be identified separately
Statement that child(ren) will be attending a homeschool and that parents assume sole responsibility for the education of the student
Submit to your local school board by mail or deliver by hand (see locations listed below – call to confirm this is where they should be delivered)
- Keep a copy of the signed and notarized affidavit for your records.
After your affidavit is submitted and accepted, your school board will issue an excuse certificate acknowledging your homeschool within 30 days
- They cannot tell you no!
- Your affidavit remains in effect as long as it is on file with the school district.
You will receive a new certificate each subsequent year by August – no need to renew!

Sample Affidavit 1 Sample Affidavit 2 Sample Letter

Alpine School District

575 N 100 E, American Fork, UT

(801) 610-8400

Canyons School District

9361 S 300 E, Sandy, UT

(801) 826-5000

Nebo School District

350 S Main St, Spanish Fork, UT

(801) 354-7400

Provo City School District

280 W 940 N, Provo, UT

(801) 374-4800

Provide Instruction to Your Children

No required number of days for instruction
No required subjects
Parents are solely responsible for:
- The selection of materials
- The time, place and method of instruction
- The evaluation of the home school instruction

* The information provided here is not considered legal advice. Please consider your individual needs and circumstances to determine if you need to consult an attorney.

How to Withdraw Your Child from Public School

Contact the school to inquire about their specific withdrawal process. They may request a written statement from you on your intent to withdraw.

Are Public School Classes or Activities Available to My Homeschooled Child?

Yes! Homeschool students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at a public school consistent with eligibility standards. (See UT Code 53G-6-703)

School districts may not impose additional requirements on homeschool students that are not fully imposed on those students fully enrolled in public school.

Dual enrolled students (homeschool + public/charter school) are eligible to participate in any academic, extracurricular, or co-curricular activities in the public school available to students in their age group or grade, subject to the same rules and requirements that apply to a full-time student’s participation. (See UT Code 53G-6-702) Note: Dual enrolled students will need to have a homeschool affidavit filed with the school district and complete the enrollment for the selected public school.

If My Child is Enrolled in a Distance Learning Program, Do I Still Need to File an Affidavit?

No. If your children are enrolled in a distance learning school (My Tech High, Canyon Grove Academy, Harmony Ed, DaVinci, etc), your child is registered as attending a public school. Although you may be your child’s primary instructor and selecting the teaching materials, you do not need to fill out an affidavit if you choose one of these schools.

NOTES:

Children must be enrolled in school or exempt from school with the school board from the ages of 6-18. If you believe you are exempt from this requirement, please refer to this link for Utah Code 53G-6-204.
If a child is at least 16 years old and has completed at least the 8th grade, student may receive a partial release from the local school board to enter employment or attend a trade school.
If a child is at least 16, he or she may obtain an annual full release from the local school board if he or she has completed the work required to graduate from high school, or will receive adequate opportunities for education through his or her employment.
A parent-issued diploma and transcript should be sufficient to demonstrate that a child has completed a secondary education.
Home education records may be requested in some situations (obtaining a driver’s license if a minor, enlisting in the military, applying to colleges, demonstrating eligibility for Social Security benefits, etc.)

Our hope is that this can be a starting point for you.