As families gather this season to reflect on what they’re grateful for, one blessing continues to stand out across our state: school choice. Iowa’s education landscape has transformed in recent years, giving parents more voice, students more opportunities, and communities more hope. Here are five reasons we’re thankful for school choice in Iowa:
1. Parents Are Empowered to Choose the Best Fit
Every child is different—and now, Iowa families have the tools to match their child’s needs with the right learning environment. Whether that’s a faith-based school, a classical academy, a microschool, or another public district, parents—not zip codes—guide the decision.
2. Education Savings Accounts Expand Opportunity
With Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), thousands of Iowa families can now access schools they once could only dream of. ESAs help reduce financial barriers and open the door to life-changing opportunities for students at all income levels.
3. Growth in Diverse Learning Environments
From expanding Christian schools to innovative charter schools and custom private instruction, Iowa is seeing a flourishing ecosystem of educational options. This diversity pushes all schools to serve students better and strengthens the entire education landscape.
4. Rural Families Have More Pathways Than Ever
School choice isn’t just benefiting big cities. Rural families—who once had limited options—now have more opportunities through open enrollment, ESAs, and expanding school networks that offer programs tailored to their communities’ needs.
5. Students Thrive When They Learn Where They Belong
At the heart of school choice is student success. When children learn in an environment aligned with their values, needs, and learning styles, they flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. School choice gives Iowa students the freedom to truly thrive.
As we look ahead, school choice continues to strengthen families, enrich communities, and ensure that every child in Iowa has the opportunity to learn in an environment where they are known, supported, and inspired. This season reminds us just how significant that freedom is. And for that, we are truly thankful.