Iowa sees 60% surge in private school enrollment: Here is why

Iowa sees 60% surge in private school enrollment: Here is why

Iowa sees 60% surge in private school enrollment: Here is why
Over 27,000 Iowa students shift to private schools with taxpayer-funded ESA program. (Getty Images)

Iowa has experienced a significant rise in private school enrollmentwith over 27,000 students now utilizing taxpayer-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to cover the cost of attending private schools. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the number of students using ESAs has grown by more than 60% from the previous year, reflecting a larger trend toward school choice in the state.
A growing shift to private education
The surge in ESA participation is part of a broader movement driven by the state’s push to expand educational options. This year, a total of 27,866 students are using the program, a substantial increase from approximately 17,000 participants during the 2023-24 school year. The ESA initiative provides eligible families with up to $7,800 per student in public funds, which can be used for private school tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses. As reported by The Des Moines Registerthese funds are made available to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
Iowa’s private school enrollment has also seen a notable rise, increasing by nearly 9% from last year, reaching a total of 39,356 students in accredited nonpublic schools. The Iowa Catholic Conference reports that more than 25,000 students enrolled in Catholic schools, with 16,714 of them using ESA funds to cover tuition and fees. This shift highlights the growing popularity of private schooling as more families take advantage of the state’s expanded school choice options.
Public school enrollment shows modest decline
While private school enrollment soars, public school enrollment in Iowa has seen a slight decrease. The state’s public schools reported a drop of less than 1%, with 480,665 students enrolled for the 2024–25 school year, down from 483,699 the previous year. The decrease in public school enrollment is attributed, in part, to the rise in private school options available through the ESA program, which is expected to expand further in the coming years.
As quoted by The Des Moines RegisterGovernor Kim Reynolds’ education policies, including the introduction of ESAs and the expansion of charter schools, have played a central role in shaping the state’s educational landscape. These reforms have sparked debates on the future of public funding and the impact on local school districts.
ESA program expansion
Starting in 2025, the ESA program will be open to all Iowa families, regardless of income, a move expected to increase participation even further. With the state potentially disbursing up to $218 million in ESA funds by the end of the 2024–25 school year, the long-term effects on Iowa’s educational system remain a key area of ​​interest.

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