One scholarship per child
Utah allows a child to hold only one of three scholarships at a time: Utah Fits All, the original Carson Smith Scholarship or the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship. Unlike programs in some states, Utah Fits All has no higher amount for students with disabilities; Odyssey's pages list only the $8,000 private-school and $4,000 or $6,000 home-based figures. The disability-weighted money sits with Carson Smith.
If your child already holds the original Carson Smith
The original Carson Smith Scholarship now continues only for current students. For 2026-27 it pays $7,305 for a full-day K-12 student with 1 to 179 minutes of daily special-education service and $12,175 for 180 minutes or more, capped at tuition and fees. For a child with high service minutes, $12,175 is well above the $8,000 Utah Fits All figure, so keeping the legacy scholarship usually makes sense.
For a new student
A new student with an IEP applies to the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship through Children First Education Fund. In law it pays up to 2.5 times the weighted pupil unit for K-12; USBE has not posted a 2026-27 dollar figure, so compare carefully once the award is offered. 2026 SB 54 removed the old income tiers, so a middle-income Holladay or South Jordan family is no longer shut out.
Which schools are on which list
The two paths reach different schools. In our directory, 41 Salt Lake and Tooele schools appear on USBE's Carson Smith eligible list, including autism programs in Draper, West Jordan and Midvale and independent schools such as McGillis and Rowland Hall that did not match the Utah Fits All list. The Utah Fits All route works at any approved school, plus therapies paid separately, and a home-based student can buy occupational, speech, behavioral and physical therapy through the account.
A simple way to decide
Start with the school. If the school your child needs is only on the Carson Smith list, the choice is made. If it is on both, compare $8,000 plus the flexibility to pay therapies and supplies with the Carson Smith amount, which pays tuition only and depends on service minutes. Ask the school which scholarship most of its families use, and keep the current IEP on file, since both Carson Smith programs require it.
Salt Lake schools with a special-education focus (10)
| School | Type | Community | Grades | Utah Fits All list | Carson Smith lists | Students* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Behavioral & Intervention Draper · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Autism Solutions Academy - WJ West Jordan · from published lists only | Independent Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Carmen B Pingree Center 780 S Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City 84108 | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 60 |
| Draper Academy 12390 S 800 E, Draper 84020 | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | 1-8 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 14 |
| Gateway Academy 11706 S 700 E, Draper 84020 | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | 9-12 | Not found | None found | 36 |
| Kids World Academy 1328 W Stern Dr., Taylorsville 84123 | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | PK-4 | Not found | None found | 17 |
| The Chiron Academy 2020 E 3300 S Ste 15, Salt Lake City 84109 | Independent Schools | Millcreek, Holladay & Cottonwood Heights | 3-12 | Not found | None found | 34 |
| Utah Autism Academy Midvale · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| UTBS Academy, Crossroads 5558 S 1900 W, Taylorsville 84129 | Christian Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | K-11 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 19 |
| Wasatch Canyons Academy at Primary Children's Hospital 5770 S 1500 W Bldg a, Salt Lake City 84123 | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | 1-12 | Not found | None found | 37 |
* Enrollment reported to the NCES Private School Survey (2023-24 or 2021-22). "Utah Fits All list" means the school appears on the published Utah Fits All Scholarship participating-school list (Oct 2026). "Carson Smith lists" counts the organizations whose published school list included the school (Oct 2026).
Schools on USBE's Carson Smith eligible list (41)
| School | Type | Community | Grades | Utah Fits All list | Carson Smith lists | Students* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Preparatory School 11100 S Redwood Rd, South Jordan 84095 | Christian Schools Christian (no specific denomination) | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | PK-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 108 |
| Autism Behavioral & Intervention Draper · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Autism Solutions Academy - WJ West Jordan · from published lists only | Independent Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Blessed Sacrament School 1745 E 9800 S, Sandy 84092 | Catholic Schools | Sandy & Draper | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 83 |
| Carmen B Pingree Center 780 S Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City 84108 | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 60 |
| Children's Christian School 3050 S 3200 W, West Valley City 84119 | Christian Schools Christian (no specific denomination) | West Valley City, Kearns & Magna | PK-7 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 24 |
| Dancing Moose Montessori River Park 10995 S River Front Pkwy, South Jordan 84095 | Independent Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | PK-2 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 81 |
| Dancing Moose Montessori School 4428 W Links Dr., West Valley City 84120 | Independent Schools | West Valley City, Kearns & Magna | PK-3 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 47 |
| Draper Academy 12390 S 800 E, Draper 84020 | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | 1-8 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 14 |
| Elizabeth Academy 2870 S Connor St., Salt Lake City 84109 | Independent Schools | Millcreek, Holladay & Cottonwood Heights | PK-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 175 |
| Ensign Learning Center West Valley City · from published lists only | Independent Schools | West Valley City, Kearns & Magna | Not reported | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Faith Baptist Academy Sandy · from published lists only | Christian Schools | Sandy & Draper | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Hilltop Christian School 985 E 10600 S, Sandy 84094 | Christian Schools Christian (no specific denomination) | Sandy & Draper | PK-2 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 13 |
| I.J. and Jeanne Wagner JCC Early Childhood Center Salt Lake City · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Intermountain Christian School 6515 S Lion Ln, Salt Lake City 84121 | Christian Schools Christian (no specific denomination) | Millcreek, Holladay & Cottonwood Heights | PK-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 273 |
| J E Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School 2335 E Redondo Ave, Salt Lake City 84108 | Catholic Schools | Salt Lake City | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 289 |
| Juan Diego Catholic High School 300 E 11800 S, Draper 84020 | Catholic Schools | Sandy & Draper | 9-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 679 |
| Judge Memorial Catholic High School 650 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City 84102 | Catholic Schools | Salt Lake City | 9-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 615 |
| Kearns-Saint Ann School 430 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City 84115 | Catholic Schools | Salt Lake City | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 83 |
| Kool Minds – Sandy Main Sandy · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Lolie Eccles Early Education Center 344 E Broadway, Salt Lake City 84111 | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | PK-K | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 14 |
| Montessori at Riverton Riverton · from published lists only | Independent Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Morning Star Preparatory Academy West Valley City · from published lists only | Independent Schools | West Valley City, Kearns & Magna | Not reported | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Mount Vernon Academy 240 E 5600 S, Murray 84107 | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | K-12 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 121 |
| Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School 1065 E 700 S, Salt Lake City 84102 | Catholic Schools | Salt Lake City | K-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 174 |
| Oxford Academy 1864 W 12600 S, Riverton 84065 | Independent Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | 3-12 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 24 |
| Realms of Inquiry Private School 1006 W Atherton Dr., Taylorsville 84123 | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | 6-12 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 25 |
| Redeemer Lutheran School 1955 E Stratford Ave, Salt Lake City 84106 | Christian Schools Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod | Salt Lake City | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 33 |
| Reid School 2965 E 3435 S, Salt Lake City 84109 | Independent Schools | Millcreek, Holladay & Cottonwood Heights | PK-9 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 65 |
| Rowland Hall 843 Lincoln St., Salt Lake City 84102 | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | PK-12 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 917 |
| St. Andrew Catholic School 11835 S 3600 W, Riverton 84065 | Catholic Schools | West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton & Herriman | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 108 |
| St. Francis Xavier Catholic School 4501 W 5215 S, Kearns 84118 | Catholic Schools | West Valley City, Kearns & Magna | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 192 |
| St. John the Baptist Middle School 300 E 11800 S, Draper 84020 | Catholic Schools | Sandy & Draper | 6-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 311 |
| St. Marguerite Catholic School 15 S 7th St., Tooele 84074 | Catholic Schools | Tooele County | PK-6 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 75 |
| St. Vincent de Paul Parish School 1385 E Spring Ln, Salt Lake City 84117 | Catholic Schools | Millcreek, Holladay & Cottonwood Heights | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 222 |
| The Madeleine Choir School 205 E 1st Ave, Salt Lake City 84103 | Catholic Schools | Salt Lake City | PK-8 | On the list | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 357 |
| The McGillis School 668 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City 84102 | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | K-8 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 395 |
| The Sammy Center Salt Lake City · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Salt Lake City | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Utah Autism Academy Midvale · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| Utah Collective Academy Riverton · from published lists only | Independent Schools | Sandy & Draper | Not reported | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | — |
| UTBS Academy, Crossroads 5558 S 1900 W, Taylorsville 84129 | Christian Schools | Murray, Midvale & Taylorsville | K-11 | Not found | 1 USBE Carson Smith eligible-school list | 19 |
* Enrollment reported to the NCES Private School Survey (2023-24 or 2021-22). "Utah Fits All list" means the school appears on the published Utah Fits All Scholarship participating-school list (Oct 2026). "Carson Smith lists" counts the organizations whose published school list included the school (Oct 2026).
Next step
Ready to see which award fits? Take the short funding check and a School Funding Advisor will call to go over Utah Fits All, Carson Smith and school aid for your child, with the dates that matter.
Common questions
Does Utah Fits All pay more for a child with autism or an IEP?
Utah Fits All does not pay a higher amount for a child with autism or an IEP. Odyssey lists only three 2026-27 figures: $8,000 for a private-school student and $4,000 or $6,000 for a home-based student. A Salt Lake family seeking disability-weighted funding should compare the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship or, for current holders, the original Carson Smith Scholarship.
Should a Salt Lake child keep the original Carson Smith Scholarship or switch to Utah Fits All?
A Salt Lake child receiving 180 or more minutes of daily special-education service gets $12,175 from the original Carson Smith Scholarship in 2026-27, well above the $8,000 Utah Fits All amount. A child with fewer minutes gets $7,305. Because the legacy Carson Smith Scholarship is closed to new students, a family that leaves it cannot return later.
Can Utah Fits All pay for speech or occupational therapy in Salt Lake City?
Utah Fits All can pay for educational therapies, including occupational, behavioral, physical, audiology and speech-language therapy, according to Odyssey's eligible expense guide. A Salt Lake family pays an approved marketplace provider or seeks reimbursement with proper receipts. Residential treatment is not covered, and the provider must be approved in the Utah Fits All marketplace.