Promoting the expansion of school choice for the benefit of Iowa's children.
Des Moines, Iowa
Joined March 2014
- Tweets1.9K
- Following150
- Followers288
- Likes131
Searching for an Iowa school that accepts Students First ESAs? Our school locator lets you search accredited, ESA-eligible nonpublic schools by ZIP code. Contact schools about available seats and admissions.
#SchoolChoice iowaace.org/esa-schools/
Admissions rules, tuition increases and income limits: our analysis examines three proposed changes to Iowa's Students First ESA program and how each could affect schools and families.
iowaace.org/rob-sand-esa-ref…
Where do Iowa's gubernatorial candidates stand on school choice?
Compare Zach Lahn's and Rob Sand's positions on ESAs, program expansion, oversight, and private school autonomy.
#StudentsFirst #SchoolChoice
Apply for half-year ESA by November 15. Spring 2027 award: $4,074. Upload government-issued ID. Students must attend an accredited nonpublic school and pay tuition and fees in the portal by January 14.
educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educa…
Public and private schools have different obligations—and different funding tools. Our response to the Register's ESA editorial examines district tax authority, special education, accreditation and enrollment capacity.
iowaace.org/des-moines-regis…
🤔
If private school choice supposedly shuts out students with disabilities, explain this: AEI and EdChoice estimate 15.5%–17.2% of participants have disabilities, compared with 15% in public schools. That undercuts a familiar argument against ESAs. #SchoolChoice
Four Iowa Catholic school superintendents argue for investing in students, regardless of school type.
desmoinesregister.com/story/… #SchoolChoice #StudentsFirst
Unspent Students First ESA funds aren't cash payments to parents. Balances may carry into later years when a student participates, and the funds remain restricted to approved educational expenses.
educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educa…
In EdChoice's national summer 2026 polling, 52% of school parents said a candidate's support for ESAs would make them more likely to vote for that candidate; 4% said less likely.
iowaace.org/parents-polling-…
Iowa's 2026–27 full-year ESA is $8,148. That's not the total taxpayer cost of educating a public-school student, which includes state, local and federal funding. Any cost comparison needs to account for both the amount and the funding sources.
Educating a child in a Christian school costs the state far less per pupil than the full taxpayer cost of a public-school education, which includes property taxes and other local funding streams on top of state aid. #IAChristianSchools #SchoolChoice
Do public schools and ESAs have to be at odds? Dykstra argues no in “ESAs Are Not the Enemy of Iowa Public Schools.”
nwestiowa.com/opinion/dykstr… #StudentsFirst #SchoolChoice
AEI/EdChoice estimates 15.5%–17.2% of private-school-choice participants nationally have disabilities, versus 15% of public-school students. Figures use reported data and assumptions.
edchoice.org/2026-students-w…
One detail in Treasury's proposed federal scholarship tax-credit rules: married couples filing jointly could claim up to $3,400 for eligible gifts. The proposed regulations aren't final; separate temporary rules cover procedures for states and SGOs.
EdChoice researcher Alex Wolf read through all 51 pages of the newly released temporary rules for the Federal Tax Credit for Scholarships so you don't have to! His new blog highlights some of the most important stipulations.
edchoice.org/2026-the-federa…
ALT A group of young students is seated at a classroom table, writing in notebooks with pencils. An adult is standing nearby, smiling warmly. The classroom has a map and colorful decorations on the wall.
In EdChoice's 2026 national survey, ESA support among school parents rose from 64% to 84% after respondents read a description of the policy. Clear explanations change how people answer.
#SchoolChoice
iowaace.org/esas-support-edc…
At the Oct. 14 debate, @ZachLahn called ESAs an “opportunity fund.” We explain why Iowa’s Students First program expands parents’ educational choices without an income test. #SchoolChoice #StudentsFirst #iagov iowaace.org/zach-lahn-iowa-e…
Applying for Iowa's half-year Students First ESA? Beginning this fall, applicants must upload government-issued ID to the ESA portal. The application window closes November 15.
#StudentsFirst
educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educa…
Students First ESA funds must pay eligible tuition and fees at an Iowa accredited nonpublic school first. After that payment, families can use remaining funds for approved education expenses through the ESA marketplace. #StudentsFirst
School Spotlight: Heartland Christian School in Council Bluffs serves preschool–12th grade students with Bible-integrated instruction and personal finance courses for older students. #SchoolChoice heartlandchristiancbia.org/
Iowa's half-year Students First ESA provides $4,074 per eligible student for spring 2027. Funds can cover tuition, fees and other approved education expenses. Apply by November 15.
#StudentsFirst
educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educa…