Utah’s public school enrollment declines for third consecutive year

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 since 2000.

A release from the board said sustained enrollment loss directly impacts state funding for school districts with per-pupil membership determining state appropriations.

“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 decl