Iowa has made historic progress in expanding educational freedom for families—but the work is not done yet.
Two important bills currently before the Iowa Legislature—HF 2713 and SF 2425—represent the next step in strengthening and sustaining school choice across our state. These bills don’t reinvent the system—they refine it, improve it, and ensure it works better for families, students, and schools alike.
Expanding Opportunity for Iowa Families
Imagine a family that realizes mid-year their child isn’t thriving in his current school—not because he isn’t trying, but because the environment simply isn’t the right fit. They research private school options, find one that matches his learning style, and are ready to apply for an Education Savings Account. Then they discover they’ve missed the application window. Their only option: wait nearly a full year.
That’s the gap HF 2713 and SF 2425 close.
By adding a second ESA application window later in the year, these bills support families who move into Iowa mid-year, help students whose needs change during the school year, and provide faster access to schools that better serve each child. Real life doesn’t follow a fixed calendar—Iowa’s ESA program should reflect that.
And the demand is real. By the October 1, 2025 certified enrollment date, 41,044 students were using an ESA at an accredited nonpublic school. A second application window means even more Iowa families can access that opportunity without waiting months for a second chance.
Protecting Preschool Choice and Charter School Fairness
These bills also protect the role of community-based and faith-based providers in Iowa’s preschool system. The legislation ensures that school districts cannot exclude qualified community providers from the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program—and in many cases, must partner with them when requested. For families who want early education that aligns with their values, this matters.
On the charter school side, the bills take meaningful steps toward equity: charter students would be able to participate in public school extracurricular activities under the same standards and fees as other students, and charter school boards would be designated as local education agencies so they can directly access federal funding. These are straightforward fairness fixes that remove unnecessary barriers for students who simply chose a different kind of public school.
Helping Schools Grow Without Burdening Taxpayers
Critics sometimes argue that expanding school choice drains resources from traditional public schools. But these bills aren’t about taking from one to give to another—they’re about building a stronger overall system. One example: the bills authorize the Iowa Finance Authority to help charter and accredited nonpublic schools access tax-exempt bonds and revolving loan funds for construction and facility improvements. In plain terms, that means a charter school can finally afford the lab, gym, or classroom space it needs to serve more students—without asking taxpayers to foot the bill directly. That’s smart, sustainable growth.
The Bottom Line: Iowa Families Benefit
HF 2713 and SF 2425 build on Iowa’s momentum and move us closer to a system where every child has access to an education that meets their unique needs. This is not about systems—it’s about students. Not about institutions—it’s about families. Not about politics—it’s about opportunity.
Forty-one thousand Iowa students are already choosing something different. These bills make sure the door stays open—and opens wider—for the families still waiting.
Take Action Today
Contact your Iowa legislators and urge them to support HF 2713 and SF 2425. A quick email from a constituent makes a difference—let them know Iowa families are counting on them to act.