With ESA Demand Outpacing Supply, How Can Utah Expand Microschool Access?

 

Across the country, education savings accounts (ESAs) are reshaping how families think about schooling—but in Utah, surging demand is outpacing available options. Last year, roughly 27,000 students applied for Utah’s ESA program, but only 10,000 scholarships were available. While parental interest in alternative education is booming, a new bottleneck is emerging: the supply of microschools.

So, how can Utah meet the growing demand for small, innovative schools—and remove the regulatory roadblocks that stand in the way?

In this episode of The Future of Education, host Michael Horn speaks with Jon England, an education policy analyst at the Libertas Institute and former school principal, about what’s fueling the microschool movement in Utah. Together, they explore how new state laws are helping founders overcome zoning hurdles, reduce building occupancy regulations, and create more flexible learning environments for families.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

  • Utah’s ESA demand far exceeds supply, with 27,000 applications and just 10,000 scholarships, highlighting the urgent need for more microschool options.
  • Zoning and building regulations are major barriers to school creation. Utah addressed this issue by passing a law to allow microschools (defined as 100 students or fewer) in all zones and reduce unnecessary building code requirements.
  • Business acumen is a growing need for microschool founders—many are educators or parents, not entrepreneurs, and require support in sustainable operations, marketing, and financial planning.

Jon England is an education policy analyst at the Libertas Institute, where he focuses on advancing school choice, removing regulatory barriers, and supporting alternative education models like microschools. He brings over 14 years of experience in public education as a former teacher and principal, and co-hosts the Dimond Education Podcast. His career is built on a foundation of classroom leadership, education reform, and service—including eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Article written by MarketScale.

Recent Episodes

As school districts face growing pressure to spend limited funds wisely and show measurable returns on investment, a bold new model is gaining traction: paying vendors based on student outcomes rather than services rendered. With the end of ESSER funding and increased scrutiny from school boards, districts are seeking ways to ensure that every…

In an era where traditional schooling often fails to ignite students’ passions, the innovative 2hr Learning Model proposed by Alpha represents a significant shift in educational paradigms. This approach is not just timely but essential, as the quest for efficient and engaging education systems becomes more urgent in the face of global educational disparities….

The urgency of linking education with employment within the Navajo Nation is critical, given the levels of underemployment in the community. This has sparked discussions on how to effectively bridge these gaps to foster community development and individual growth. With communities still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, targeted educational initiatives that align with…