Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Utah

This is general guidance based on Utah law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Utah. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Utah's Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (Utah Code 53E-7-402) provides funding for homeschooled children with disabilities, covering therapies, curriculum, and educational expenses. Your child must have a documented IDEA disability to qualify.

IEP through public school generally ceases upon withdrawal. Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship provides specific funding for children with disabilities.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Districts must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

Not a clear statutory right for special ed

Equitable services

Limited under IDEA proportionate share

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available through Carson Smith Scholarship from approved providers
Occupational therapy:: Available through Carson Smith Scholarship from approved providers
Behavioral therapy:: Available through Carson Smith Scholarship (including ABA for autism)

Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (Utah Code 53E-7-402) covers tuition, curriculum, therapy. Must have documented IDEA disability with IEP or multidisciplinary team evaluation. Administered by scholarship granting organizations.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

Utah offers 2 education savings programs. ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Utah?

Yes. Parents in Utah have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Utah.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Utah?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Utah's specific provisions.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

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Requirements sourced from Utah Code 53G-6-201 et seq.. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026