Starting a Private School in Utah
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Utah. Enjoy!
Get Started
Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
Software That Simplifies & Empowers Your School
Attract students, satisfy parents, and grow your school! With Twine, we keep the administration easy so you can focus on other things.
Watch a Demo
Utah State Regulations
General Regulations
-
There are no licensing, approval, or registration requirements, and accreditation is optional.
-
The Utah State Board of Education includes regulations for private schools and home schools the Utah Administrative Code.
-
The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Utah.
-
Families must register with the state to homeschool.
-
The Utah BOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Curriculum Requirements
Students are allowed to enroll part-time at a local public school to take electives or participate in activities not offered at the private school.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is not required for private school teachers.
Food Services / Lunch
In Utah, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Board of Education.
Length of School Year
There is no state requirement for private schools’ length of the school year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must keep enrollment records and report the number of seniors attending the school to facilitate voter registration efforts.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must provide certification of immunization or proof of a medical, personal, or religious exemption.
Transportation
Transportation is not provided by state or local district and all school buses must be inspected biannually.
Testing
Private school participation in state testing is optional.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Utah State Resources
State & Regional Associations
-
Northwest Association of Independent Schools: A nonprofit membership association that provides accreditation, professional development and support services to over 110 schools in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Government Websites
Read the Ultimate Guide to Starting a Private School
We've put together one of the most comprehensive guides to starting a private school. Ready to open your school? Read our free guide!
Read the Guide
Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.