1,000 Students Rally for School Choice at Utah Capitol

On the opening day of Utah’s 2025 legislative session, roughly 1,000 K-12 students from across the state gathered at the Utah Capitol to rally for school choice in honor of National School Choice Week.

The event, organized by the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, saw students from nearly 40 charter schools across Utah taking part. Throughout the day, the students had the opportunity to promote their schools and learn more about how the legislative process works firsthand.

Royce Van Tassell, executive director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping education policy. “We want elected officials to truly hear and see these kids. It’s essential that they understand how critical it is for every child to attend a school that suits them,” Van Tassell explained. He noted that for some, the right fit may be a district school, while for others, a charter school might be the answer.

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Van Tassell praised Utah’s charter school laws, pointing out that the state’s system stands out nationally. He highlighted the 2023 Utah Fits All voucher program, which offers $8,000 scholarships to qualifying families for private schooling, as a step toward expanding educational choices.

Looking ahead, Van Tassell pointed to HB43, a bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, that would extend the funding timelines for charter schools. He noted that charter schools thrive on innovation and flexibility, and such bills would allow them to better meet the needs of students and faculty.

Another bill on the radar is one designed to increase parental awareness about the wide array of school choices available to them.

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson also took the stage to express her and Gov. Spencer Cox’s strong support for charter schools in the state, telling the students, “You are the future leaders we need—our state, our country, and our communities will benefit from what you learn here.”

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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