There are opportunities for Iowa parents to choose something other than their assigned public school to educate their children. Below are available options:
The Students First Act, introduced by Governor Reynolds and signed into law on January 24, 2023, makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa.
ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:
Other student funding generated by categorical funding formulas will remain with public school districts. This will include funding for students who choose to leave their public school, and for all students who live in the district but attend a private school. In the first year of the program it’s estimated that Iowa’s public schools will receive approximately $1,205 per pupil in categorical funding for students enrolled in private schools.
The application process is in development now and details, including the application start date, will be provided soon. Applications will be due on June 30, 2023, for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are valid for one year; a family must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.
Enacted in 1987 and expanded during the 2021 Iowa state legislative session, this state income tax credit now gives parents of public, private and home school students a tax credit to help with educational expenses:
The Educational Opportunities Act created the School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program in 2006. Here are the highlights:
Please contact us if you’d like to know more about our organization, or have questions about school choice opportunities for your family.