HF 189: Private School Sports Access
How private school students can play public school sports
What Is HF 189?
House File 189 is an Iowa law that requires public school districts to allow students enrolled in nonpublic (private) schools to participate in public school athletic programs.
Signed: June 2025
Effective: Immediately
The short version: If you're in a private school and your school doesn't offer a sport, you can play for your local public school team.
Why This Matters
Before HF 189, private school students faced a dilemma:
- Stay in private school → Limited or no sports access
- Switch to public school → Access sports but lose private education
HF 189 solves this. Now you can have both: private school academics AND public school athletics.
Who Qualifies?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School type | Must be enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school |
| Residency (Option A) | Live within the public school district |
| Residency (Option B) | Live in a contiguous (bordering) district |
| Sport availability | Your private school must NOT have offered the sport for the two preceding school years |
| Agreement | District and private school must have an eligibility agreement |
Key Provisions
Districts Must Allow It
The law says districts "shall allow" participation. This is not optional — it's mandatory.
Same Fees as Public Students
Districts can charge private school participants the same fees they charge public school students. No more, no less.
Contiguous District Option
If your local district doesn't have the sport you want, you may be able to participate in a bordering district's program.
Enrollment Counting
When calculating school size for athletic classification, private school students count as one-fourth of the enrollment of their private school.
How It Works for ISP Students
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- ISP does not offer traditional team sports (we're online)
- You live within the public school district (or contiguous district)
- The sport you want is offered by that district
Step 2: Contact the Public School
- Reach out to the athletic director
- Explain you're enrolled at ISP
- Request participation under HF 189
Step 3: Establish Agreement
- ISP and the public school establish an eligibility agreement
- This formalizes the arrangement
- ISP handles our side; you work with the public school
Step 4: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Same academic eligibility rules apply to you
- Same conduct standards
- Same participation fees
Step 5: Play
- You're on the team
- Practice, compete, and represent the public school
- Your academics remain at ISP
Common Questions
Q: Can the public school say no?
A: No. The law requires districts to allow participation if you meet the requirements. They cannot arbitrarily deny you.
Q: What about eligibility rules (IHSAA)?
A: IHSAA rules still apply. The law works within the existing eligibility framework. Contact your public school's athletic director for specific eligibility questions.
Q: Do I have to live in that exact district?
A: You can live in the district OR in a contiguous (bordering) district.
Q: What if ISP "offers" the sport in the future?
A: ISP is an online school and does not offer traditional team sports. This won't change. You'll remain eligible under HF 189.
Q: What about transportation to practices/games?
A: You're responsible for transportation, just like any other student athlete.
Q: Does this affect my ISP enrollment?
A: No. You remain a full-time ISP student. You just participate in athletics through the public school.
Sports Typically Available
Most Iowa public school districts offer:
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Basketball | Track & Field |
| Volleyball | Wrestling | Baseball |
| Cross Country | Swimming | Softball |
| Soccer | Soccer | |
| Golf | ||
| Tennis |
Availability varies by district. Contact your local school for their specific offerings.
The Big Picture
HF 189 removes a major barrier for families considering private education.
Before HF 189:
- Choose private school → Sacrifice sports
- Choose public school → Access sports
- Impossible to have both
After HF 189:
- Choose private school → Keep sports access
- Best of both worlds
For ISP families, this means:
- Flexible academics through ISP (~2 hours/day)
- Team sports through your local public school
- Time to train for your primary sport
- Community connection through local athletics