Utah Hispanic student count drops 2.3% for first time in 13 years
English learner numbers fell 12% as new arrivals hit a four-year low amid shifting federal immigration policies.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Hispanic enrollment in Utah public schools declined for the first time since 2014.
Fall data from the Utah State Board of Education shows the total number of Hispanic students fell by 2.3% this year. That marks the first drop in that specific demographic in more than a decade. The overall state enrollment drop was 2.4%, meaning the Hispanic decline was in line with the broader trend.
A steeper drop occurred among English language learners. That group, which often includes students who are new to the country, saw a decrease of nearly 12%. Aaron Brough, the director of data and statistics at the state board, attributed part of that specific decline to a change in testing standards. The state lowered the bar for students to graduate from English learner status in the 2023-24 school year. Brough described the old requirement as a really high bar. He said the new standard is rigorous but achievable, ensuring that students who pass have attained proficiency similar to native English speakers.
New arrivals also represent a smaller share of the student body. Students new to the United States make up 2.5% of enrollment this year. That is the lowest percentage in four years. The decrease represents about 4,000 fewer students compared to the 2024-2025 school year. Moe Hickey, executive director of Voices for Utah Children, linked the timing of these drops to federal policy. The Brookings Institution estimates that 2.7 million people entered the United States in 2025, down from a peak of 5.8 million in 2023. Hickey said the drop is significant enough to suggest a correlation with immigration policies. He noted that the chilling effect may keep families from enrolling children in public schools, or that some families may have moved after losing status.
Local districts are already feeling the shift. Ogden, which has the highest percentage of Hispanic students at just over half, saw that majority shrink. Superintendent Luke Rasmussen said the district now has about 300 fewer English learners than last year. That reduction eliminated the waiting list for specialized classes. Rasmussen said the district had been expanding in those areas to meet student needs, but that is no longer the case. He said his top priority is ensuring students feel safe at school.
Hickey said schools are trying to reassure kids and families, but they are up against anti-immigrant rhetoric at the state and national levels. He said there is very little schools can do to take away that fear. Hickey views the education of these children as beneficial for society and the future workforce. He said it should concern people that the numbers have dropped.
