Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For Iowa parents, that decision may look a little different today than it did just a few years ago. With Education Savings Accounts helping more families access accredited nonpublic schools, parents have more opportunity to consider which learning environment is the right fit for their child.
But more options can also mean more questions.
A school may look good on paper, but families should feel comfortable asking deeper questions before making a decision. The right school is not simply the one closest to home or the one a family hears about most often. It is the school that best fits a child’s needs, a family’s priorities, and the kind of environment where that student can grow.
Here are five questions parents should ask as they begin their school search.
1. What kind of environment helps my child thrive?
Every child is different. Some students do well in a smaller setting where teachers know them personally. Others may need a school with a strong structure, a close-knit community, or more individualized attention.
Parents should think honestly about the environment where their child has done well in the past — and where they have struggled. Does your child need smaller class sizes? A quieter classroom? More encouragement? More accountability? A school culture that emphasizes character, faith, discipline, or service?
Visiting a school can help answer questions that a website cannot. Families should pay attention to how students interact with teachers, how classrooms feel, and whether the school’s culture seems like a good fit for their child.
2. What academic expectations does the school have?
Parents should also ask about academic standards and expectations. What curriculum does the school use? How does the school measure student progress? What does homework typically look like? How are students challenged when they are ready to move ahead, and how are they supported when they fall behind?
A strong academic environment does not look exactly the same in every school. For some families, it may mean advanced coursework and high expectations. For others, it may mean a school that builds confidence, strengthens foundational skills, and helps a student rediscover a love of learning.
The key is for parents to understand what the school expects from students and how it helps them meet those expectations.
3. How does the school communicate with parents?
Good communication matters. Parents should know how often they can expect updates from teachers and administrators, how concerns are handled, and what role parents are encouraged to play in the school community.
Some schools use regular newsletters, parent portals, conferences, or direct communication from teachers. Others may place a strong emphasis on personal relationships between families and staff.
Before choosing a school, parents should ask: If my child is struggling, how will I know? If I have a question, who should I contact? How does the school partner with parents throughout the year?
A school does not need to be perfect, but parents should feel confident that communication will be clear, respectful, and timely.
4. What support is available for new students?
Changing schools can be a big adjustment, especially for students who are entering a new environment after several years somewhere else. Parents should ask how the school helps new students feel welcome and connected.
Is there an orientation process? Are new families paired with current families? How do teachers help students adjust academically and socially? What support is available if a student needs extra help during the transition?
This question is especially important for families using an ESA to access a school they may not have considered before. A good school will understand that new students and parents may need time, guidance, and encouragement as they become part of the school community.
5. How does the school’s mission align with our family’s priorities?
Every school has a mission, whether stated formally or reflected through its culture. Parents should take time to understand what that mission means in practice.
For some families, faith formation may be a central priority. Others may be looking for a school with a strong academic focus, a particular approach to discipline, a smaller community, or a values-based environment. Whatever the priority, parents should ask whether the school’s mission aligns with what they want for their child.
This does not mean every family will choose the same kind of school. That is the point of school choice. Families should be able to choose from different educational environments, each with its own mission, culture, and strengths.
Start Your Search
Choosing a school takes time, and parents should not feel pressured to make a decision based on one factor alone. Ask questions. Visit schools. Talk with administrators. Pay attention to whether the school seems like a place where your child can be known, challenged, supported, and encouraged.
Iowa ACE’s ESA schools page is a helpful place to begin. Families can use it to find accredited nonpublic schools that accept Education Savings Accounts, then contact schools directly to learn more about enrollment, tuition, academic programs, and school culture.
The ESA application window gives families an opportunity, but choosing a school is about more than completing an application. It is about finding the right fit for your child.
Use our ESA schools page to start your search, then contact schools directly.