Iowa receives $43M federal grant to boost public charter schools

DES MOINES — A five-year, $43 million federal grant will support public charter schools in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday.

Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced that Iowa was one of six states selected for a 2025 federal Charter Schools Program Grant to State Entities. Issued by the U.S. Department of Education, it is a competitive grant program that supports “the growth and expansion of high-quality educational choices for families,” according to the governor’s office.

“Public charter schools provide yet another school choice for parents and guardians looking for the education option that’s best suited for their children’s abilities and needs,” Reynolds said in a press release. “This $43 million grant recognizes Iowa as a leader in educational freedom and supports our innovative work to expand high-quality, tuition-free, public charter schools as an option for Iowa students and families.”

Iowa public charter schools are authorized by the State Board of Education, tuition-free, operate under a governing school board, and are not required to adhere to state laws that govern public schools’ curriculum and instructional methods.

There are 10 public charter schools currently operating in Iowa, with another six approved to come on line. Of those 16 schools, 11 are in Cedar Rapids, Davenport or Des Moines.

The other states to receive state grants were Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, North Carolina and Alabama. Those awards ranged from $30 million to $61 million.

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“A one-size fits all education system is not working for our students. Charter schools allow for innovative educational models that expand learning opportunities for students,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a press release from the agency. “The Trump administration will continue to use every available tool to advocate for meaningful learning, advance school choice, and ensure every student is well-positioned to succeed.”

Iowa has an existing, $7 million state charter school grant program to support infrastructure costs.

“We are proud of this federal recognition of and investment in Iowa’s strong education landscape, empowering Iowa families to choose the high-quality education option that best matches their children’s learning styles, cultivates their talents and meets their needs,” Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said in the press release. “With the support of this grant, Iowa’s dedicated educators will continue to improve, innovate and grow new learning environments that see every child, meet them where they are and provide what they need to realize their incredible potential.”

Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com

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