Why Iowa Families Switch Schools
Understanding the reasons behind 44,500 open enrollment transfers
The Numbers
44,500 Iowa students use open enrollment — attending a public school outside their assigned district. This represents ~9% of all public school students.
These families made a deliberate choice to leave. Why?
Top Reasons Families Switch
Based on research and enrollment patterns:
1. School Quality Concerns
| Factor | What Families See |
|---|---|
| Test scores | Lower than neighboring districts |
| Course offerings | Fewer AP, electives, languages |
| Teacher quality | High turnover, less experienced |
| Resources | Outdated facilities, limited technology |
The thinking: "The school down the road does it better."
2. Program Access
| Missing Program | Impact |
|---|---|
| Specific sports | Child can't play their sport |
| Arts programs | Music, theater, visual arts cut |
| Advanced courses | No AP, no honors track |
| Special education | Better services elsewhere |
The thinking: "They have what my child needs; we don't."
3. Safety Concerns
| Factor | What Families See |
|---|---|
| Discipline issues | Fights, disruption |
| Bullying | Ongoing, unaddressed |
| Facility safety | Outdated buildings |
| Climate | Doesn't feel safe |
The thinking: "My child doesn't feel safe there."
4. Social Fit
| Factor | What Families See |
|---|---|
| Peer group | Negative influences |
| Bullying | Targeted, unresolved |
| Culture | Values mismatch |
| Fresh start | Need new environment |
The thinking: "The environment isn't right for my child."
5. Convenience
| Factor | What Families See |
|---|---|
| Commute | School is closer to work |
| Childcare | Better before/after care |
| Siblings | Simplify logistics |
The thinking: "This just works better for our family."
6. Rural Consolidation
| Factor | What Families See |
|---|---|
| Programs cut | Can't afford to offer |
| Class sizes | Too small for peer interaction |
| Teacher loss | Can't attract/retain talent |
The thinking: "There's nothing left here."
The Des Moines Example
Des Moines Public Schools loses ~2,900 students annually to open enrollment — the largest "donor" district in Iowa.
| Destination | What They're Seeking |
|---|---|
| Waukee | Top-rated suburban district |
| Ankeny | Growing, well-resourced |
| Southeast Polk | Strong programs |
| Johnston | Academic reputation |
| West Des Moines | Community feel |
Annual revenue lost: ~$22.6 million
These families live in Des Moines but choose to send their children elsewhere.
The Rural Exodus
Small rural districts face a compounding problem:
Students leave (via open enrollment)
↓
Revenue declines
↓
Programs cut
↓
More students leave
↓
District struggles
↓
(Cycle continues)
Case study: Orient-Macksburg voted to dissolve effective July 1, 2026.
What Open Enrollment Doesn't Solve
| Problem | Open Enrollment Fix? |
|---|---|
| Schedule flexibility | ❌ Still 6-7 hour day |
| Class size | ↔️ May or may not improve |
| Individual attention | ↔️ Depends on district |
| Commute | ❌ Often longer |
| Different type of education | ❌ Still public school structure |
Key insight: Open enrollment gives you a different public school, not a different type of school.
When Open Enrollment Isn't Enough
You Need Different Hours
Open enrollment schools still operate 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM (or similar). If your child needs:
- Morning training time
- Flexible scheduling
- Compressed academics
Open enrollment won't help.
You Need Different Structure
Open enrollment schools still use:
- Time-based progression
- Large class sizes
- Standardized approach
If your child needs:
- Mastery-based learning
- Individual attention
- Personalized pace
Open enrollment won't help.
You Need Different Options
Open enrollment is limited to:
- Public schools
- Schools with available space
- Reasonable commuting distance
If your child needs:
- Private education
- Online delivery
- Specialized curriculum
Open enrollment won't help.
Beyond Open Enrollment: ESA Options
| What You Get | Open Enrollment | ESA + Private |
|---|---|---|
| Different school | ✅ | ✅ |
| Different district | ✅ | ✅ |
| Different schedule | ❌ | ✅ (depends on school) |
| Different structure | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online option | Limited | ✅ |
| Cost | Free | Free (ESA covers) |
ESA opens options that open enrollment cannot provide.
The Decision Point
If you're considering switching schools, ask:
- What's wrong? — Identify the specific problem
- Will a different public school fix it? — If yes, consider open enrollment
- Do you need something fundamentally different? — If yes, consider ESA options
- What does your child need? — Match the solution to the need
Take Action
If Open Enrollment Is Right
- Research receiving districts
- Apply by March 1 (for fall)
- Arrange transportation
If ESA Is Right
- Apply for ESA (April-June)
- Research private school options
- Consider online schools for flexibility
Either way, don't accept a situation that isn't working. Iowa now has real options.