Last week, the Iowa Department of Education (DoE) released certified enrollment numbers for the 2024-25 school year, showing public school enrollment remained relatively stable while non-public school enrollment increased. Public school districts reported a certified enrollment of 480,665 students, a minor decrease of 0.63 percent from last year’s 483,699 students. This aligns with state projections indicating a gradual decrease in public school enrollment through at least 2026-27. However, certified enrollment at accredited non-public schools rose by 8.9 percent to 39,356, up from 36,195 last year. The growth reflects the impact of the Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which saw 27,866 participants using ESAs to attend non-public schools as of Oct. 1. Additionally, more than 43,000 public school students, or about nine percent of total public school enrollment, opted for open enrollment in districts outside their resident district. Notably, 14.2 percent of ESA participants were kindergartners, and 6.8 percent transitioned from public schools. A more detailed breakdown of individual district enrollment numbers is available using the link included below.
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