Utah offers scholarship options that make it easier for families to create personalized K–12 education paths. These programs use Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—state-funded accounts that can be used for private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, and more. Utah’s statewide ESA program is called the Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship.
Whether you're exploring alternatives to your local public school, supporting a child with specific learning needs, or building a home education plan, these scholarships can help fund the learning path that best suits your learner.
What is an Education Scholarship Account (ESA)?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a flexible education fund that families can use for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, or online programs.
In Utah, ESA funding is offered through two key scholarship programs: the Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship and the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship. Both provide flexible funds that families can use for a wide range of approved educational needs.
What scholarships are available in Utah?
Utah offers multiple scholarship programs that provide ESA funding. Each is built to support different student needs—from income-based eligibility to flexibility in educational models.
Here are the two ESA programs available to families in Utah:
Utah Fits All Scholarship Program
The Utah Fits All Scholarship is a universal school-choice program launched in 2023. Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, it offers state-funded scholarships of up to $8,000 per eligible K–12 student in Utah through a designated ESA account. A program administrator distributes the funds, which can be used for various education-related expenses.
Eligibility
- Residency: The student must be a Utah resident
- Grade Level: Eligible for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade
- Public School Status: Students cannot be enrolled full-time in a public school or SOEP program
- Restrictions: Students cannot receive the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship during the same school year
Rules & Regulations
- Application Process: Families must apply each year through the program portal
- Priority: Given to lower-income households and siblings of current recipients if demand exceeds funding
- Testing Requirements: Students must complete a standardized test or submit a learning portfolio by May 31 each year
- Continuation: Students may continue receiving the scholarship annually if they remain eligible and complete annual requirements
- Restrictions:
- Unused funds do not roll over
- Students may not receive multiple state ESA scholarships simultaneously
Use of Funds
- Tuition and fees for private or microschool programs
- Curriculum, online tools, and instructional materials
- Tutoring and academic enrichment services
- Special education services and therapies
- Educational technology and assistive devices
- Transportation costs (up to $750 per year)
- Individual public school classes and extracurriculars
View the complete list of allowable expenses. You can also request approval for unlisted items.
Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship
The 2024 Utah Legislature merged the Carson Smith and Special Needs Opportunity scholarships into a single program, now administered by the Children First Education Fund. Students currently receiving the legacy Carson Smith scholarship may remain in that program under existing terms, but no new students will be accepted into the legacy version.
Eligibility
- Residency: The student and their custodial parent/legal guardian must reside in Utah throughout the school year
- Disability: Must have a qualifying disability under IDEA, verified by one of the following within the last 36 months:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Assessment Team Member Record (ATMR)
- Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation (MDT)
- Grade Level: Eligible for preschool through 12th grade
- Enrollment Status: Student must not be enrolled in a public or charter school when the scholarship is awarded
- Restrictions: Cannot receive the Utah Fits All Scholarship or legacy Carson Smith in the same year
Rules & Regulations
- Application Process: Apply through Children First Education Fund
- Documentation: Disability documentation must be current (within 36 months)
- School Status: Must be accepted to a qualifying private school or declared homeschooled prior to fund distribution
- Restrictions:
- Cannot be combined with other public education scholarships in the same school year
Use of Funds
- Private school tuition and fees
- Educational books, supplies, and curriculum
- Tutoring and academic support services
- Special education therapies and treatments
- Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
Learn more from the official Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship page or review the application guide for details.
How to use the Utah ESA funds on Outschool
Many families use their ESA funds on Outschool to build a flexible, custom-fit education plan from home.
With Outschool, you get:
- Live, small-group classes led by experienced educators
- Complete curricula and interest-based learning options
- Flexible scheduling that fits your routine
- Support for homeschooling, private school, or hybrid learning
- Classes that meet Utah scholarship guidelines
For UFA, you can use ClassWallet to purchase Outschool classes. On the other hand, the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship does not use ClassWallet. For questions about how funds are distributed or reimbursed, families should contact the Children First Education Fund directly or refer to their scholarship support team.
Frequently asked questions about Utah’s scholarship programs
This section covers some families' most common questions about using the Utah scholarship programs, especially when applying them to platforms like Outschool. No matter if you're just starting out or navigating ClassWallet, these answers will help you move forward confidently.
How can I make the most of my scholarship funds?
Here are a few practical suggestions to help your family stretch the scholarship dollars and maximize impact—regardless of which scholarship you're using, the UFA or the Carson Smith Opportunity:
- Explore learning options: You can prioritize core subjects like math, reading, writing, and science, or you can customize your child's curriculum based on their needs and interests.
- Mix learning formats: Blend live classes, self-paced lessons, and hands-on projects to support diverse learning styles.
- Plan spending in stages: UFA funds are disbursed quarterly. Carson Smith funds are awarded in multi-year terms. In both cases, pacing purchases prevents overspending too early.
- Track everything: Keep a folder or spreadsheet of purchases, enrollments, and receipts. This helps with reimbursements and required documentation.
- Reuse when possible: Choose materials that can be used again for siblings or future years.
- Tap into community wisdom: Connect with other Utah families for provider tips and learning ideas that qualify under your program.
Can I use one scholarship for multiple children on Outschool?
No. Each child must apply for and receive their own scholarship. Funds are awarded per student and cannot be shared. That said, parents can manage multiple learner accounts through Outschool and ClassWallet.
How do I handle refunds for classes purchased with scholarship funds?
For UFA, refunds are handled through ClassWallet and may take up to 14 business days. If you’re using the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship, check with the Children First Education Fund for refund instructions.
Are there limits on the number of classes I can enroll my child in using the scholarship?
There’s no official class cap under either program. Just make sure your total spending stays within your awarded amount and follows approved use guidelines.
What happens to unused funds?
- Utah Fits All: Funds must be used within the academic year. Any unused balance will be returned to the program and does not roll over.
- Carson Smith Opportunity: Scholarships are awarded in three-year terms. If your child remains eligible, funds may be available in subsequent years within that term. However, the program does not publicly specify whether unused funds roll over from year to year. Families should contact the Children First Education Fund directly for clarification.
Making the most of Utah’s education savings account
Utah’s scholarship programs empower families to design an education that meets their child’s unique needs—whether through homeschooling, private school, or a flexible combination of both. These funds make it possible to invest in high-quality resources, trusted educators, and specialized support.
Outschool is proud to support families using both the Utah Fits All and Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarships with classes that meet state guidelines and inspire meaningful learning. Wherever your path takes you, we’re here to help you make the most of every moment.
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