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OpenEd Versus
Utah Fits All (UFA)
OpenEd Versus
Utah Fits All (UFA)
See what's included in each home-based program and why thousands of Utah families choose OpenEd.
At OpenEd (formerly My Tech High), we've been serving Utah families for 16 years with flexible, home-based education. We continue to innovate and have made recent upgrades, including a streamlined platform and faster reimbursements.
If you're seeking home-based education support in Utah, you may be considering: OpenEd and the Utah Fits All (UFA) scholarship. While both assist learning at home, they work very differently.
As of July 2025, the UFA program is transitioning to a new administrator (Odyssey) with significant policy changes. The program now emphasizes a "marketplace-first" approach launching August 21, 2025, with reimbursements facing increased scrutiny and documentation requirements.
See Why Families Are Choosing OpenEd for
2025-26
See Why Families Are Choosing OpenEd for 2025-26
As families weigh their options, many find that UFA's new requirements—like matching every purchase to state standards—add unexpected complexity to their homeschool journey.
5-7 days
20+ days
Clear, reliable guidelines – no guessing
Shifting requirements and uncertain approvals
Yes - limited to some districts
No - must withdraw from public school
No cap
Limited (20% cap)
Included
Not Included
Included
Pay for tutoring $$$
Coordinated for you
Organize yourself
Virtual & In-person
Pay per activity $$$
Approved
Must align to standards; inconsistent approvals
Approved
Not Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Adobe Creative Cloud, Mystery Science, BrainPop, and more included
Purchase your own subscriptions $$$
Full IEP/504 Included
Pay for services $$$
Included
Find your own
Live chat, email, and phone
Email and phone (no live chat)
See Why Families are Choosing OpenEd for 2025-26
As families weigh their options, many find that UFA's new requirements—like matching every purchase to state standards—add unexpected complexity to their homeschool journey.
Clear, reliable guidelines – no guessing
No pre-approvals under new administrator - each purchase individually reviewed
5-7 days
20+ days
Buy with confidence using pre-approved list
Marketplace preferred; 'Other' category reimbursements face 'highest scrutiny'
Yes, limited to some districts
Limited - only if your district is an approved UFA vendor (few are)
Any educational secular materials
All materials must be matched with Utah Core Standards; religious curriculum covered
No cap
Limited (20% cap)
Included
Not Included
Included
Pay for tutoring $$$
Coordinated for you
Organize yourself
Virtual & In-person
Pay per activity $$$
Approved
Must align to standards; inconsistent approvals
Approved
Not Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Adobe Creative Cloud, Mystery Science, BrainPop, and more included
Purchase your own subscriptions $$$
Full IEP/504 Included
Pay for services $$$
Included
Find your own
Live chat, email, and phone
Live chat, email, and phone
Simple receipt submission
Itemized receipts, educational justiciation, service dates
The Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line:
⭐️ OpenEd: Lower funding amount, but teachers, tutoring, fast-response support options, more clarity and approved expenses, easier reimbursements, and community are included
UFA: Higher funding amount, but less clarity and consistency, slower response times, and you pay for and coordinate everything yourself
Why Choose OpenEd?
With clear funding guidelines, faster support, and a platform built for your family, OpenEd empowers your student to thrive—without the uncertainty or complexity.
Here’s what sets us apart:
We Handle the Compliance - No standards matching required. We take care of all the paperwork so you can focus on learning
16 Years of Proven Stability - While other programs face legal challenges and changing rules, we've consistently served Utah families since 2009
If It Supports Educational Outcomes, We Support It - Educational games, family field trips, bulk supplies—no arbitrary restrictions on learning materials
Streamlined Funding for Real Families - Share funds between children, get reimbursed in days not weeks
Your Education, Your Way - Choose any secular curriculum that works for your child without navigating pre-approved lists or category limits
👇 Why Families Love OpenEd👇
👇 Why Families Love OpenEd👇
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about UFA and OpenEd.
OpenEd operates as a public school program with teachers, curriculum support, and built-in services. UFA is an education savings account (ESA) where the state provides a wallet to buy educational services from approved vendors.
We offer reimbursement for approved educational expenses, making it easier for families to invest in their child's learning. To qualify, expenses must meet our guidelines and be submitted through our platform. This helps ensure that families can access the resources they need.
Any Utah residents with K-12 children interested in personalized education can enroll through OpenEd. We cater to various learning styles and needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Our partnerships with public schools enhance the learning experience.
OpenEd includes IEP and 504 plan support with licensed special education teachers. UFA provides funding that can be used to purchase special education services from approved providers. The difference is whether these services are included in your program or purchased separately from your funding.
There is no wrong choice. Both programs allow families to make changes, though timing and processes differ. Consider which program structure feels more predictable for your family’s planning.
No, you cannot be enrolled in both simultaneously. However, OpenEd Academy (our private school option) has applied to become a UFA-approved provider, which may offer additional flexibility for some families in the future.
Take the Next Step
Ready to give OpenEd a try? Reserve your spot for the January 2026 start. school year or reach out to chat about your student’s needs. We’re here to help every step of the way.