Educational freedom empowers families to make the best educational decisions for their children. Every child is unique—different learning styles, interests, and family circumstances mean that a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work for everyone. School choice ensures parents have access to a variety of options so they can select the learning environment where their child will thrive.
In 2021, as Governor Reynolds pursued a strong, nationally recognized school choice agenda, Iowa had only two public charter schools, both established by local school boards. That year, the governor introduced legislation allowing charter schools to be founded by independent groups not affiliated with a public school district. Since the bill was enacted, Iowa has approved 16 public charter schools, 10 of which are currently in operation. From FY23 to FY25, enrollment in Iowa’s public charter schools has increased 213%.
Public charter schools are an important and emerging education model in Iowa, and Governor Reynolds intends to foster an environment in which they and their students continue to thrive.
Governor Reynolds Proposes:
- Enabling all state per pupil funding to follow a student from the public school district of residence to the public charter school of choice.
- Ensuring charter school students can access concurrent enrollment courses.
- Allowing eligible charter school students to participate in extracurricular activities at their public school district of residence.
- Naming charter schools as approved settings for student teachers to gain experience and earn their degree.
- Requiring charter schools to make driver education available for students.
