3 Utah charter schools awarded up to $2M each in federal funds

Three Utah charter schools were announced last week as the state’s first recipients of the $44 million federal Charter School Program grant.

Wallace Stegner Academy, Karl G. Maeser Academy and Custom Classroom have been awarded up to $2 million each to help expand educational opportunities.

“We are thrilled to support these exceptional schools as they lead the way in transforming education in Utah,” Shannon Greer, Charter School Program grant program director for the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, said in a statement. “This grant is not just about funding — it’s about empowering communities, elevating student outcomes, and building a more innovative education system.”

In September 2024, the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools was awarded $44 million through the grant program. Awards are granted to state entities — like the association — that then provide sub-grants to eligible applicants for new charter schools or expanding and replicating existing schools.

A release from the association said over the next five years, the grant aims to create 5,000 new charter school seats across Utah by constructing five new charter schools, replicating five “high-performing” charter schools and expanding 10 other charter schools.

The inaugural three recipients of the grant have varying plans for using the funds.

Wallace Stegner Academy will build a new campus in Sunset, which will open on Aug. 18.

“We are honored to be selected as a CSP (Charter School Program) grant recipient and excited to replicate the success of Wallace Stegner Academy in new communities. This funding allows us to expand our mission of academic excellence and equity, ensuring more students — especially those in underserved areas — have access to a high-quality education,” Adam Gerlach, co-founder of Wallace Stegner Academy, said in a statement.

Wallace Stegner manages four campuses, including the new Sunset campus, located in Salt Lake City, West Valley City and Kearns.

Karl G. Maeser Academy plans to use the grant funds to expand student enrollment at its Lindon campus beginning in August 2026.

“This grant empowers us to grow our impact and serve even more students with the classical education and character-building foundation that defines Karl G. Maeser Academy. We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand while staying true to our core values and commitment to excellence,” Robyn Ellis, director of Karl G. Maesar Academy, said in a statement.

A relative newcomer to the Utah charter school network, Custom Class first applied to establish a school in 2022.

The funds will help Custom Class with its scheduled opening in August 2026.

“Custom Class was founded on the belief that every student deserves a learning experience tailored to their needs. With this support from the CSP grant, we’re thrilled to bring our vision to life and create opportunities to learn and grow that truly reflects and responds to the community it serves,” said a statement from the Custom Class board of directors.