Iowa School Choice Options
Every option available to Iowa families
The Landscape Has Changed
Iowa now offers more education options than ever before. Families are no longer limited to their assigned public school. Here's what's available:
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | Where | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assigned Public School | Free | Your district | Default option, no action needed |
| Open Enrollment | Free | Different public district | Want a different public school |
| ESA + Private School | ~$0 (ESA covers) | Private school | Want private education |
| ESA + Online Private | ~$0 (ESA covers) | Home (online) | Need flexibility, rural areas |
| Homeschool | Varies | Home | Want complete control |
| Public Virtual School | Free | Home (online) | Want online but prefer public |
Option 1: Assigned Public School
What it is: The school your child is assigned to based on where you live.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Limited choice |
| No application needed | Quality varies by district |
| Local community | Rigid schedule |
| Sports/activities built-in | Must accept what's offered |
Best for: Families satisfied with their local school.
Option 2: Open Enrollment
What it is: Attending a public school in a different district than where you live.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Must be accepted by receiving district |
| Access better public programs | May require commute |
| State funding follows student | Still a public school structure |
How it works:
- Apply to the district you want to attend
- District reviews (space permitting)
- If accepted, your child enrolls there
- Funding transfers from your home district
Deadline: March 1 for fall enrollment
Best for: Families who want a different public school, not a different type of school.
Learn more about Open Enrollment →
Option 3: ESA + Private School (In-Person)
What it is: Using your Education Savings Account ($7,988) to attend an accredited private school.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to private education | Must apply for ESA |
| Often smaller class sizes | School must be accredited |
| Different curriculum options | May have additional costs beyond tuition |
| $0 tuition if ESA covers it | Limited options in rural areas |
How it works:
- Apply for ESA (April-June)
- Apply to accredited private school
- Once accepted, approve payment in Odyssey
- ESA funds transfer to school
Best for: Families who want in-person private education and live near a private school.
Option 4: ESA + Online Private School (Like ISP)
What it is: Using your ESA to attend an accredited online private school.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to private education | Requires self-discipline |
| Available in all 99 counties | Less in-person social interaction |
| Flexible schedule | Parents must provide supervision |
| $0 tuition (ESA covers) | Different from traditional school |
| More time for other activities |
How it works:
- Apply for ESA (April-June)
- Apply to online private school (like ISP)
- Approve payment in Odyssey
- Complete coursework online, ~2 hours/day
Best for: Athletes, rural families, anyone needing schedule flexibility.
Option 5: Homeschool
What it is: Parents directly educate their children at home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete control over curriculum | Parents are responsible for teaching |
| Maximum flexibility | No accredited diploma |
| Can tailor to child's needs | May limit college options |
| No cost (unless you buy curriculum) | NCAA eligibility is complex |
Iowa requirements:
- File Competent Private Instruction (CPI) form
- Provide 148 days of instruction
- Choose from several supervision options
Best for: Families who want complete control and can dedicate time to teaching.
Note: Homeschool is NOT the same as online private school. ISP students get an accredited diploma and NCAA-eligible courses. Homeschoolers do not (unless they also enroll in an accredited program).
Option 6: Public Virtual School
What it is: Online learning through a public school district.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Generic curriculum |
| Online flexibility | No personal relationships |
| State-accredited | No training support |
| No NCAA prep |
Iowa options:
- CAM Virtual Academy
- Clayton Ridge Virtual Academy
Best for: Families who want online but prefer to stay in the public system.
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | Public | Open Enrollment | ESA + Private | ESA + Online | Homeschool | Public Virtual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | ~$0 | ~$0 | Varies | Free |
| Schedule | Fixed | Fixed | Varies | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible |
| Accredited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| NCAA Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Complex | Yes |
| Available Rural | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application | None | Required | Required | Required | Filing | Required |
Decision Tree
Do you want to stay in the public school system?
│
├─ YES → Are you happy with your assigned school?
│ │
│ ├─ YES → Stay where you are
│ │
│ └─ NO → Open Enrollment (apply to different district)
│ or Public Virtual (CAM, Clayton Ridge)
│
└─ NO → Do you want in-person or online?
│
├─ IN-PERSON → ESA + local private school
│ (if available in your area)
│
└─ ONLINE → ESA + online private school (like ISP)
- Works in all 99 counties
- Flexible schedule
- Accredited + NCAA eligible
The Bottom Line
Iowa families have real choices:
- Stay public — Your assigned school, open enrollment, or virtual public
- Go private — ESA covers tuition at accredited private schools
- Go flexible — Online private schools serve all 99 counties
The right choice depends on your family's needs. These guides help you understand each option.