Apply 2026–27
Attend the school that finally fits.
Roots is a tuition-free public charter high school. An application is the first step. Submit one and we will walk your family through the rest.
Ready to apply?
One short form for your whole family. No records, transcripts, or test scores required.
Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. See the lottery process below.
Timeline & deadlines.
We post the timeline plainly so no family is caught by surprise.
Open enrollment opens
Applications open in February. Enrollment stays open through the school year. Once all spots are filled, new applications are added to the waitlist.
Open enrollment closes
While the open enrollment closes in April, applications are accepted year round. Applicants will be added to a waitlist and accepted as availability allows.
Acceptance letters sent
Email sent to the parent address on the application.
Acceptance responses due
Confirm enrollment by the date in your acceptance letter. Unconfirmed seats roll to the waitlist.
Exact dates are confirmed and posted before each enrollment year.
Admissions & the lottery.
Roots is a public charter, so admission can never be selective. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, or religion. Admissions and transfers follow Utah Code 53A-1a-506.5.
Roots enrolls 200 students, 50 in each grade 9–12. Once admitted, a student keeps their seat through graduation. Seats fill in two steps:
1. Open enrollment
Apply during the open enrollment window. If applications stay at or below open seats, every applicant is admitted. Dates are posted publicly.
2. Lottery
If a grade gets more applications than seats, a public random drawing decides the order. It runs 12th grade down to 9th, and each applicant draws a number. Preference is applied, then seats fill in the drawn order.
- Priority goes to siblings of current students, then to children of founders, board members, and full-time staff, within state law.
- Everyone else draws with equal weight.
- Not drawn? You hold a spot on that grade's waitlist for the year.
Who Roots is for.
We will not pretend Roots fits every student. We will say plainly who tends to thrive here.
- Students who have struggled in larger schools and need a smaller building.
- Students who are behind on credits and want a real path to graduation.
- Students who learn by doing. Hands-on. Outside. With animals or in a kitchen, not just on a screen.
- Students whose day needs to feel safe before it can feel productive.
A day in the life.
A real schedule, simplified. Bells, blocks, breaks, and farm time.
Mon–Thu schedule shown. Friday is a half-day Advisory block (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) used for support, field trips, and school activities. Friday Advisory is mandatory for students not passing all classes.
How students get here.
- UTA bus access. Two routes stop within a 10-minute walk of the school. Roots issues a UTA pass to every enrolled student.
- Carpool drop-off / pick-up. Marked loop on the east side of the building, 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Bike racks and lockers. Available on a first-come basis.
- Driving. Junior and senior parking available. Ask the front office.
Fees & waivers.
Tuition is free. A small number of optional fees apply for activities, electives, and student-driver programs. Required fees can be waived.
Transferring in or out.
Mid-year transfers happen when a seat is open. We have a streamlined transfer process for students leaving a school that is not working out.
- Transfer in: use the same application. We follow up as quickly as we can, usually within about a week.
- Transfer out: request transcripts and records through the front office. We turn these around promptly, and faster when your new school needs them for placement.
FAQ for first-time charter families.
Is Roots a real public school?
Yes. Roots is a public charter high school authorized by the Utah State Charter School Board. We are funded the same way as any other Utah public school. We follow the same state graduation requirements. Our diploma is a state-recognized diploma.
Does it cost anything?
No. Tuition is free, by state law. A few optional fees apply for elective programs. All required fees can be waived.
Will my student need to take a test to get in?
No. Charter schools cannot select students based on academics, behavior, or any other criteria. Admission is by application. If more apply than there are seats, a lottery decides.
What if my student has an IEP or 504 plan?
We honor every IEP and 504 plan. The plan moves with the student. Read about disability services →
Will my student be safe?
Roots is a small school. The director knows every student by name. Bullying is addressed quickly and openly. Read the Safe School policy →
What about lunch?
Lunch is free for every student. Breakfast is also free. No application needed.
What if we don't speak English at home?
Roots' parent community is largely Spanish-first. Every parent-facing notice, every form, every email is bilingual. The front office has Spanish-speaking staff. La oficina principal habla español.
What if I want to visit before applying?
Tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. Book a tour →