McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Iowa Department Of Education
The Iowa Department of Education has received a competitive federal grant exceeding $43 million over five years to help support high-quality public charter schools across the state. The announcement was made jointly by Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education.
Governor Reynolds commented on the award, stating, “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. 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.”
The Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to State Entities is a competitive initiative from the U.S. Department of Education designed to offer subgrants to public charter schools. Its aim is to foster growth and expand educational options for families. In 2025, Iowa was one of only six states selected to receive this grant.
Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said, “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. 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.”
Charter schools in Iowa operate tuition-free under a governing board authorized by the State Board of Education. These schools have autonomy over their core mission, curriculum, and instructional methods but must fulfill all requirements set forth in their charter agreements—including student enrollment targets and performance outcomes—and participate in statewide assessments like other public schools.
Currently there are ten operational charter schools in Iowa with six more approved to open within two years. The new federal funding builds on a previous $7 million grant awarded last year aimed at infrastructure costs for charter schools.
Recent state legislation passed in 2021 and 2024 expanded opportunities for forming charter schools in Iowa and updated rules concerning property sales by school districts as well as funding provisions related to open enrollment.
Further details about charter schools can be found on the Iowa Department of Education's Charter Schools webpage. More information about the Quality Charter Schools Program Grant is available through the U.S. Department of Education.
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