ESA vs Open Enrollment
Comparing your school choice options in Iowa
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ESA | Open Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Funds for private education | Attend a different public district |
| Amount | $7,988/year | $0 (free public school) |
| School type | Private, accredited | Public only |
| Application | Through Iowa DOE | Through receiving district |
| Deadline | June 30 (recommended) | March 1 (for fall) |
| Who decides | You choose the school | District must accept you |
Understanding Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment lets Iowa students attend a public school outside their assigned district. State funding (~$7,988) follows the student from their home district to the receiving district.
How It Works
- You apply to the public district you want to attend
- District reviews application (space permitting)
- If accepted, your child enrolls there
- Funding transfers from your home district
Key Facts
- 44,500 Iowa students currently use open enrollment
- Creates a $350+ million transfer economy between districts
- Students leaving = funding leaving their home district
- No cost to families (public school is free)
Understanding ESA
Education Savings Account gives families money to spend on private education. The state deposits $7,988 into an account you control (via Odyssey).
How It Works
- You apply for ESA through Iowa DOE
- Once approved, funds are deposited in your Odyssey account
- You enroll at an accredited private school
- You approve tuition payment through Odyssey
Key Facts
- ~45,000 Iowa students projected to use ESAs (2025-26)
- $7,988 per student — covers full tuition at schools like ISP
- Parent-directed (you choose the school and approve payments)
- Only works at accredited private schools
When to Choose Open Enrollment
Open enrollment might be right if:
| Situation | Why Open Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Want a specific public school | Different district has program your district doesn't |
| Moving but want to keep same school | Continuity for your child |
| School quality concerns | Neighboring district performs better |
| Sports/activities | Another district has the team or program you want |
| $0 cost is essential | Public school is free; private school may have additional costs |
Limitations
- Must be accepted by receiving district (space permitting)
- Still a public school experience (6+ hour days, standardized schedule)
- Limited to what public schools offer
When to Choose ESA
ESA might be right if:
| Situation | Why ESA |
|---|---|
| Want private school | Access to schools you couldn't afford before |
| Flexible schedule needed | Online/hybrid options like ISP |
| Student-athlete | Need time for training |
| Rural area | No private schools nearby, but online options exist |
| Specialized curriculum | Public schools don't offer what you need |
| Religious education | Faith-based schooling |
Limitations
- Only for accredited private schools
- ESA doesn't cover everything (no athletics, uniforms, transportation)
- Requires engagement with Odyssey platform
Can You Use Both?
No. You must choose one path:
- ESA = Private school (funded by ESA)
- Open Enrollment = Different public school (funded by state per-pupil)
If you're enrolled in a private school using ESA, you're not eligible for open enrollment. If you're using open enrollment, you're not eligible for ESA.
Exception: You CAN use open enrollment to access public school sports while enrolled in a private school (see HF 189 — private school sports access law). But this is about sports eligibility, not funding.
The Athlete Consideration
For student-athletes, the comparison often comes down to:
| Factor | Open Enrollment | ESA + ISP |
|---|---|---|
| Daily schedule | 6-7 hours in school | ~2 hours academics |
| Training time | Before/after school only | Prime hours available |
| Cost | $0 | $0 (ESA covers tuition) |
| Sports access | Play for receiving district | Play for local district (HF 189) |
| Academic flexibility | Standard schedule | Self-paced, mastery-based |
Many athletes choose ESA + online private school because the schedule flexibility is worth more than anything open enrollment offers.
Side-by-Side: Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Unhappy with Local School Quality
| Option | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | Apply to neighboring district; if accepted, attend better public school |
| ESA | Apply for ESA; enroll in private school (online or in-person) |
Scenario 2: Need Flexible Schedule for Training
| Option | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | Same 6-7 hour school day, just at a different public school |
| ESA | Enroll in online private school like ISP; 2-hour academic day |
Scenario 3: Rural Area, Limited Options
| Option | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | Limited if nearest district is far; long commute |
| ESA | Enroll in online private school; no commute required |
Scenario 4: Want Religious Education
| Option | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | Not available — public schools only |
| ESA | Enroll in accredited religious private school |
Making the Decision
Ask yourself:
-
Do you want public or private school?
- Public → Open Enrollment
- Private → ESA
-
Is schedule flexibility important?
- Standard schedule okay → Either option
- Need flexibility → ESA + online school
-
Is cost the primary concern?
- Must be $0 → Open Enrollment (though ESA often covers full tuition too)
- Can handle some additional costs → ESA
-
What's available in your area?
- Good public options nearby → Open Enrollment may work
- Limited options → ESA expands your choices
Summary
| If You Want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Free public school in a different district | Open Enrollment |
| Private school education | ESA |
| Maximum schedule flexibility | ESA + online school |
| Religious education | ESA |
| No change from public school structure | Open Enrollment |