In some favored, sections of the Territory, the law went into effect as proposed. In other districts, there was a lag of one, two, or perhaps more years before the community was able to carry out provisions of the act. The City of Ogden moved ahead of the program. In August 1889, an ordinance was passed providing for free elementary schools. Some time during the following year this ordinance was put into operation. Free schools were opened for pupils up to and including fourteen years of age. Before the beginning of the free school movement, and extending for some years thereafter, educational opportunities in Utah were limited and irregular. Many students attended school for a few months during the winter only. Others were all but denied the privilege of any schooling whatever. Many young men and young women attended school for a few weeks in their lifetime, some for a few months, and others for a year or two. Here was a group of mature men and women who had not completed the equivalent of an eighth grade education. To reach this group was a challenge. Here was a definite field for service. The Weber Stake Academy, and in fact other Church Schools also, accepted the challenge and stepped into the gap. By offering preparatory or elementary courses, the Academy provided opportunity for these grown men and women to acquire at least a knowledge of the common branches. At the same time, by offering high school branches, the Academy provided an inducement for these same young men and women to go on to higher learning. When the Weber Stake Academy opened its doors on Monday, January 7, 1889, the students who enrolled were classified as preparatory, intermediate, and academic grades. The more mature students, both as to age