.webp)
What is Open Education?
Education That Adapts to Your Child—Not the Other Way Around
No Child Is Standard
Open education starts with a simple observation: no two children learn in exactly the same way, at the same pace, or for the same reasons.
Every learner brings a unique blend of strengths, curiosities, and ways of understanding the world.For generations, families faced a binary choice—traditional school or homeschool, public or private, all in or all out. Today, those walls are dissolving.
Here's What It Looks Like
The old question: "Which school fits my child?"
The new question: "What does my child actually need?
"The old model: Pick one approach and commit completely
The new model: Design what works by combining the best of everything
The old assumption: Education happens in one building, one way
The new reality: Learning opportunities are everywhere
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)
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
Open education is flexible
Rather than forcing families to choose between public/private, remote/on-site, part-time/full-time, large school/small school or any other approach, open education allows learners to take the best of all approaches and adapt it to their goals.
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.