For the third consecutive year, Utah’s public education system has recorded a statewide decline in overall student enrollment. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has released official enrollment figures showing 656,311 students enrolled in Utah’s public K–12 schools for the 2025–26 school year, a decrease of 11,478 students, or 1.7 percent, from the previous year.
This sustained enrollment loss directly affects state funding for local education agencies (LEAs), as per-pupil membership determines state appropriations.
Among Utah’s 15 largest traditional school districts, 14 experienced enrollment declines of more than 1 percent, with Salt Lake City, Granite and Washington County districts reporting the most significant drops, each down 4.5 percent. Only Beaver County and Tooele County districts recorded growth of 1 percent or more.
Charter schools continue to expand, but with uneven growth across schools. Overall, charter enrollment grew by 3.6 percent, now representing 13 percent of Utah’s total student population.
- 49 charter schools experienced at least a 1 percent increase in enrollment.
- 44 charter schools saw enrollment declines of at least 1 percent.
While total enrollment is decreasing, the proportion of students requiring specialized educational services continues to rise, a trend observed over the past decade.
- Students with disabilities: 89,893 students (14 percent of total), up from 11 percent in 2013–14.
- English learners: 58,419 students (9 percent of total), up from 6 percent a decade ago.
- Economically disadvantaged students: 186,362 students (28 percent of total), down from a 37 percent peak in 2014–15.
“Utah’s enrollment trends mirror the broader demographic shifts we’re seeing nationwide –smaller birth cohorts, slowing in-migration, and increased school choice. While the numbers are declining overall, the data also remind us that our educational responsibilities are growing more complex as a greater share of students require specialized supports. Our focus remains on ensuring that every child, in every community, continues to receive a high-quality education, regardless of statewide fluctuations,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart.
Utah’s funding formula uses the greater of the Oct. 1 headcount or end-of-year membership data (“hold harmless”) to soften the immediate fiscal impact of enrollment drops.
This three-year decline (2023–26) follows nearly a decade of steady growth between 2014 and 2022. The initial downturn in 2021–22 was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, but recent declines suggest longer-term demographic and migration shifts may now be contributing factors.
A detailed breakdown by grade level, district and demographic category is available in the Fall Enrollment by Grade Levels and Demographics report.
