Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes KEY TAKEAWAYS

Utah's K-12 public school enrollment declined by 1.7% in 2025-26, marking three consecutive years of decline.

Superintendent Molly Hart cites demographic shifts, smaller birth cohorts and increased school choice options.

Charter school enrollment grew by 3.6%, while 14 of 15 largest traditional districts saw declines.

SALT LAKE CITY — Following a decade of steady growth, Utah's K-12 public school enrollment has declined for the third consecutive year.

According to data released Wednesday from the Utah State Board of Education, 656,311 students were enrolled in the public education system in the 2025-26 school year — a decrease of 11,478 students (1.7%) from last year.

Prior to 2020, the state's public school enrollment hadn't declined

See Full Page