Education in Utah
Education in Utah has a long history that has led to a more efficient education system throughout the state.
The education system started to take shape in 1847 when Mormon pioneers arrived in Utah state. The first schools were predominantly run by the Mormon community, with ecclesiastical leaders organizing the curriculum and facilities as well as teaching Mormon doctrines.[1][2] When Utah became a state in 1896, schools became government-funded, allowing for free public-school education throughout the state.[3] Today, the education system hosts a range of public, charter, and private K-12 schools. There is also a mix of private and public higher learning institutions throughout the state.
History[edit]
Pioneer arrival and LDS influence[edit]
Early Mormons fled to present-day Utah – which was a Mexican territory at the time – to escape religious persecution and the Missouri Governor's extermination order, arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.[3]
For the first two decades following the settlement, most schools were run through church institutions.[1] Classes generally took place in meetinghouses of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and school boundaries mirrored the boundaries of LDS wards.[2] The schools were each controlled by a local trustee that was appointed by the bishop of each ward. Schools were financed almost entirely by the families who attended the school, meaning that they heavily relied on the local economy.[1][2]
The independent nature of each school and the fluctuating funds between areas meant that the quality of education and curriculum offered to pupils varied throughout the state.[2] As they were mainly supported and sponsored by the church, the curriculum often covered Mormon moral values and even included LDS scripture as part of the supporting course content.[2] In 1851, efforts were made to standardize curriculum and school policy through the new territorial superintendent of schools' office, but the impact of centralization was not immediate.[2]