Private and charter schools

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, a Republican running for governor, said private schools should accept all students who want to attend, as Iowa continues providing state funding to help Iowans pay for private school tuition.

State Auditor Rob Sand — the only Democrat running for governor — is proposing term limits and cognitive tests for elected officials, along with changes to Iowa’s elections, as part of his plan to promote accountability in the state’s political system.

Des Moines Prep is one of the state's newest charter schools to open, now raising the state's total open charter schools to 10. The school is operated by Omaha-based nonprofit Opportunity Education, an organization founded by billionaire Joe Ricketts.

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued decisions concerning gender-affirming care, birthright citizenship, religious charter schools and more. Legal experts discuss the rulings and their implications.

School districts must restrict student cellphone usage during class time starting this upcoming school year, under a bill signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. The legislation is aimed at reducing distractions and boosting student engagement in the classroom.

Public, private and charter schools in Iowa would be required to show fetal development videos to students starting in fifth grade under a bill passed Thursday by Republicans in the Iowa House.

After achieving accreditation from a global nonprofit, the Iowa City school can now offer independent instruction, teach international students and accept tuition from state tax-funded ESAs.

State Auditor Rob Sand said the Iowa Department of Education denied him access to information about the state’s education savings accounts. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Sand used the wrong process to seek information and accused him of trying to score political points.

Six new charter schools were approved by the Iowa State Board of Education. The number continues to grow since the state passed a law allowing groups without ties to local public school systems to open charter schools.

As lawmakers get ready to reconvene for the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 13, several state agencies and departments have already submitted bills they want lawmakers to consider in the upcoming year.