Jordan Zakery is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
Less than six months after Iowa policymakers approved the state’s first education scholarship account (ESA) program via the Students First Act, nearly 30,000 applications from families around the state proved the program’s popularity for expanding school options. That’s more than double what experts expected.
The incredible demand is a testament to the work of Gov. Kim Reynolds and key policymakers who thoughtfully designed a phased-in approach to parental choice that will be available to all Iowans within three years.
Iowa legislators, like dozens of other states, recognize that students are much more likely to have successful K-12 educational experiences when their families are empowered to match them to learning environments that best fit their unique needs.
It sounds like common sense, and it is. But so far, only a handful of states have modernized their education systems to offer families a plurality of school and educational choices.
“Public schools are the foundation of our education system and for most families they will continue to be the option of choice, but they aren’t the only choice,” Gov. Reynolds said in a release upon signing the Students First Act. “For some families, a different path may be better for their children. With this bill, every child in Iowa, regardless of zip code or income, will have access to the school best suited for them.”
Reporters from local radio station WQAD talked about the new scholarships with families and educators at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Clinton, Iowa. Just nine months after Gov. Reynolds signed the expansive education choice legislation into law, changes and energy were evident.
Principal Joseph Brown said that of the 212 students in the school, 30 joined this year with the help of the new program.
“This program gives parents a choice,” Brown said. “They can decide public, private or if they want to homeschool their child. Giving those families a choice is what this program is all about.”
One parent shared that their child had issues in public school and wanted to try something different.
“So far, he’s had a great experience. He’s happier here, and we don’t have any issues with him getting up for school,” she said. “It helps having the financial aspect taken care of. Nobody is going to regret the decision that is based off where their child goes. If the funding or financial for any family plays a factor, this program definitely helps.”
Gov. Reynolds said she was not surprised by the surge of applications.
“The tremendous response from Iowa families demonstrates there’s both a need and a strong desire for school choice in our state,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Allowing parents to choose the education that’s best for their children levels the playing field and creates equal opportunities for Iowa’s students.”
For the first year, each ESA provides $7,635 per student, an amount equal to the state’s share of per-pupil funding. All incoming kindergarteners and public school students are eligible, as are students currently attending private school if their household income is at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (about $83,000 for a family of four).
That eligibility level for students in private schools will expand next year to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, currently about $111,000 for a family of four.
And beginning with the 2025-26 school year, all Iowa students will be eligible.
Just like one school can’t serve all students and their unique needs, one choice program typically does not suffice either. In fact, Iowa already offers families public school choice options, such as public charter schools and open district enrollment, plus two private education choice programs that work together to provide families multiple pathways to private and customized schooling options.
By opening new opportunities and funding for families, Iowa is truly leaning into the expectations today’s parents have for customizing their children’s education.
Iowans can be proud of Gov. Reynolds and the many lawmakers who put students first by supporting the Students First Act. These state leaders include House Speaker Pat Grassley, Senate President Amy Sinclair, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, Rep. John Wills, Rep. Skyler Wheeler and Sen. Brad Zaun. And the Iowa Department of Education will be instrumental in implementing their vision and building upon the state’s smart investments to benefit all students.
