This week, Sutherland Institute launched the Utah Schools Navigator (the navigator), a Utah-focused, one-stop hub for parents who want to learn about their education landscape and options.
What does Utah Schools Navigator provide for Utah parents?
The Utah Schools Navigator is designed to offer Utah parents several complementary services in one place, so they feel equipped as they seek information about education options – public, private, microschools, and more. We built the navigator with the principle in mind that education choice is a broad umbrella of options and policies, and that it’s up to parents to determine what’s best for their kids. We trust parents, and we hope to equip them to navigate the landscape of schools, policies, and laws with confidence.
More specifically, in partnership with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, Utah Schools Navigator provides a search tool that allows families to enter their ZIP code, preferred school type, and grade to find schools near them.
The navigator also hosts opportunities for parents to learn about school ratings and performance, education policy terms, FAQs, and parental rights.
Importantly, parents can request a one-on-one consultation directly through the website and receive personalized guidance. Families can even share their stories with us or volunteer to help other families. It’s a full-package experience for Utah parents of school-age children.
School leaders can also add or update their school information through the page, so their schools are marketed accurately to parents.
What’s unique about Utah Schools Navigator?
While other search tools and directories exist, our approach combines needed information in one place while remaining neutral about the types of education, so parents can lead the way.
At the same time, we provide parents with customer service assistance so they do not feel like they are navigating Utah’s education system and options alone.
The navigator also allows parents to provide us with crucial feedback on their experiences, helping us understand common hurdles and policy hiccups. Our goal is to make sure Utah policy serves parents well.
Why now?
In recent years, “education choice” has made impressive legislative gains, but we want to make sure parents know what options are available to them in both the public and private spheres. We believe the increase in education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships, and improvements to open enrollment are a win for parents, but we know a challenge to informed choice is awareness of these opportunities.
We are entering a new era: parents navigating the new education landscape. To do this, parents will need to be informed, articulate users and advocates of their public and private school options.
Where can I access Utah Schools Navigator?
The Utah Schools Navigator can be found at utahschools.org. We invite you to visit the website to search, learn, and engage.
