How It's Organized

Public Schools

This is the traditional, local public school.  Each operates under the direction of the school district in which it resides.  Public schools do not charge tuition, although middle schools and high schools can charge fees to participate in certain program.

Learn about enrolling in a public school>>

About Public Schools

There are over 750 traditional public schools in Utah operated by 40 school districts.  Each is headed by a principal who oversees the school and its staff – administrative personnel, classroom teachers, and student support staff such as counselors or nurses. 

Education Powers & Responsibilities

How a public school is set up and the focus of its programs depends greatly on the local school board and the amount of freedom they offer each public school within the guidelines set by the State Legislature and State Board of Education.

Normally, a public school is responsible for educating the students living in its boundaries, but local school boards can create schools that enroll students from anywhere in the district.  In addition, Utah’s Open Enrollment laws require public schools to accept students outside of a school’s boundary so long as the school has space.  Learn more>>

Public schools report to their school district who in turn, reports to the Utah State Office of Education to show compliance to state laws and regulations.

Education Funding

Public schools receive their funding through their school district.  How much discretion a school has in spending their funding differs between school districts.  Most public schools have minimal control over their budgets due to school district policies and state regulations.

Public schools report financial information directly to their school district.

Attending a Public School

COSTS
Public schools do not charge tuition, although middle schools and high schools can charge fees to participate in certain programs.  Like all public schools, they are funded by tax dollars.

TEACHERS
Public schools employ teachers certified by the state of Utah.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
All school-aged children, grades K through 12.

HOW TO ENROLL
To enroll in a public school, contact the public school to let them know that you or your child plan on attending.  Public schools are responsible for educating the school-aged children who reside within their boundaries, although Utah's Open Enrollment program allows parents to send their child to any public school so long as there is capacity.  Find a public school's contact info>>

For More Info:

• School Contact Info & Statistics>>
• My School's Performance>>