Total enrollment tops 675,000, kindergarten bounces back, homeschool transfers decline
Utah public schools added 8,638 students this fall for a growth rate of 1.3 percent, bringing the total number of students to 675,247, according to October 1 enrollment data released today by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
Kindergarten enrollment, which had dropped by more than 1,500 students in the fall of 2020 rebounded this year to levels higher than in 2019, USBE noted. Student transfers from public school to homeschooling grew from 914 in the fall of 2019 to 3,375 in 2020. That number fell to 1,227 this year, USBE reported. Enrollment in online-only public schools remained virtually unchanged: 26,605 students in 2020 and 26,711 this year.
“We applaud the work of our many educators and staff who have made conditions possible for our students to come back to school for optimal learning and support. Parents have responded by having their students return where possible.,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. “Of course, we understand that everything’s not back to normal yet and there are parents, students, teachers, and school staff who continue to have concerns. Schools and health departments continue to work to make schools a safe environment in which all students can learn and succeed.”
October 1, 2021, USBE student enrollment highlights.
Total enrollment:
| Oct. 2021 | Oct. 2020 | Difference | Percentage | |
| Charter | 77,786 | 79,255 | -1,469 | -1.9% |
| District | 597,461 | 587,354 | 10,107 | 1.7% |
| State | 675,247 | 666,609 | 8,638 | 1.3% |
October 1 kindergarten enrollment:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| Utah | 49,510 | 47,971 | 49,489 | 49,782 | 48,346 |
Utah student transfers from public school to homeschool:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| Utah | 1,227 | 3,375 | 914 | 817 | 747 |
October 1 Utah student enrollment in online/virtual schools:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| Utah | 26,711 | 26,605 | 14,755 | 12,255 | 11,156 |
Utah 2021 public school demographics:
| Number | Percentage | |
| American Indian | 6,381 | 1% |
| Asian | 11,081 | 2% |
| Black/African American | 8,992 | 1% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 126,467 | 19% |
| Pacific Islander | 10,895 | 2% |
| White | 488,102 | 72% |
| Two or more races | 22,433 | 3% |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 184,963 | 27% |
| English Language Learner | 55,546 | 8% |
| Student with a Disability | 81,296 | 12% |
| Homeless | 9,014 | 1% |
More information about this year’s enrollment data, as well as longitudinal data, is available on the USBE website: www.schools.utah.gov
