Iowa’s Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) have opened the door for more families to choose the learning environment that best fits their children. But ESAs—and school choice in general—only thrive when parents and grandparents step up to share their stories, encourage others, and make sure policymakers stay focused on students.
If you’re wondering how you can make a difference, here are five practical ways to get started.
1. Be a Storyteller
The most powerful case for school choice isn’t a statistic—it’s a child’s story. Parents and grandparents can share how ESAs helped their family afford the school that best serves their student.
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Record a short 30–60 second video explaining why you chose your school, what challenges you faced, and how the ESA made it possible (also be sure to share it with or tag us, the Iowa Association of Christian Schools or the Iowa Catholic Conference, we would love that).
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Post it on whatever social media you use.
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Keep it real: share before-and-after snapshots of your child’s progress.
Grandparents, in particular, can have an incredible voice here. A message like, “I’m grateful Iowa gives me the chance to invest in my grandchild’s future” resonates deeply with other grandparents and with policymakers.
2. Host ‘School Options 101’ Night
Not everyone knows how ESAs work—or even that they exist. Hosting a simple event at your church, library, or even your living room can be a game-changer.
A sample agenda might look like this:
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Two families briefly share their ESA stories
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A quick overview of Iowa’s ESA program and deadlines
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School choice options explained (private, charter, homeschooling, open enrollment, STOs)
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Q&A with a school leader
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Application help station with laptops ready
Grandparents can play a role here too, serving as “navigators” who help families work through the application step by step.
3. Build Relationships with Legislator
School choice policy lives and dies at the Iowa Capitol. That’s why it’s vital to connect with your state representative and senator—not just during session, but year-round.
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Attend coffees and town halls in your district.
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Email a short story about your child’s experience with the ESA.
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Offer to connect lawmakers with other families willing to share.
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Say thank you when they support parental choice.
Grandparent voices often carry unique weight. A handwritten note or personal visit from a grandparent can stick with lawmakers long after the meeting ends.
4. Run a Simple Digital Campaign
You don’t have to be a professional influencer to make an impact. Consistency is what matters most.
Consider posting 2–3 times a week:
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Myth vs. Fact Monday – correct a common misconception about ESAs.
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Tour Tuesday – share a photo from your school visit.
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Why Wednesday – highlight one student outcome.
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FAQ Friday – answer questions about eligibility, deadlines, or testing.
Grandparents can add their own twist by posting a weekly “Grandparents for Great Schools” message, encouraging other seniors to get involved.
5. Support Access Beyond Tuition
ESAs are a great tool, but they don’t cover everything. Parents and grandparents can widen access even further by supporting:
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School Tuition Organizations (STOs): Iowa offers generous tax credits for giving, and these gifts cover gaps ESAs may not.
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Carpool networks and after-school swaps: Transportation and care are often overlooked barriers.
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Micro-scholarship funds: Churches and neighborhoods can pool small gifts to cover uniforms, testing fees, or sports gear.
Grandparents especially can lead giving campaigns, organize church STO drives, or provide “first-week kits” with school supplies for new ESA families.
A Final Word
Promoting school choice in Iowa isn’t about political talking points—it’s about kids. Parents and grandparents have the credibility, the stories, and the heart to keep ESAs strong and ensure families across the state know about every available option.
By telling your story, hosting a gathering, engaging lawmakers, posting online, and supporting access beyond tuition, you can help Iowa’s school choice movement grow—one family at a time.