Utah home school law requires that parents first file an affidavit. The affidavit must specify that the parent or legal guardian will provide an instructional curriculum aligned with the Utah public school required courses occurring for 180 days and 990 hours per year. Additionally, the affidavit must state that the parent is solely responsible for all aspects of instruction. Instruction includes providing books and course materials, administering lessons, choosing instructional methods and evaluating/testing academic performance. The home schooling affidavit must be notarized prior to filing it with the the student's local school district. Parents may create their own affidavit or obtain one from their school district. Samples are available at the Utah Department of Education and Utah Home Education Association websites.
Parents must receive a certificate of exemption prior to beginning formal home schooling. Public school districts are required by the state to provide parents with a certificate within 30 days of affidavit receipt. The certificate of exemption legally states that the home-schooled student is excused from attending classes in a public or private school. The student's parent must sign the certificate for validation.
All students in kindergarten through 12th grades must comply with the core curriculum standards as set forth by the Utah State Board of Education. All standards are aligned with national academic content standards. Children in kindergarten through grade two must take classes in reading/language arts and mathematics. Third through sixth grade and middle school students must take a core curriculum in reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, arts (including visual arts, music, theater and dance), physical education, educational technology and library media. High school students (grades nine through 12) must take core courses in mathematics (including algebra, geometry and applied math), language arts, science (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences), social studies (geography, U.S. government/citizenship, world civilizations, and U.S. history),physical education and health, and the arts (visual arts, dance, music and theater).