The Iowa Department of Education today announced that nine Iowa charter schools have been awarded over $8.5 million in grant funding through the Iowa Charter School Program Grant. These grants are supported by a competitive federal grant won by the Department for states supporting charter school start-up and expansion. Funds will support five new charter schools and four existing charter schools.
“Educational freedom empowers families to select the learning environment best suited for their children’s abilities and needs,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Public charter schools provide families with yet another choice and I applaud these dedicated charter school administrators, board members and community leaders for expanding educational opportunities for students and families in their local communities.”
Iowa’s public charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate under a governing board, and are authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education or the University of Northern Iowa. Public charter schools have the autonomy to organize around a core mission, curriculum, and instructional methodology to meet specific educational objectives. In return for this autonomy, a charter school is accountable for results.
“We are proud of this federal investment in Iowa’s strong education landscape, empowering families to choose the high-quality education option that best meets their children’s learning needs, matches their interests and cultivates their talents,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “With the support of this grant, the awardees will improve, innovate and grow new public education environments, empowering all learners to realize their incredible potential.”
The following five new charter schools will receive awards of up to $1.2 million each that can be used to for approved start up costs:
- Future Frontiers, Sumner-Fredericksburg
- Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Davenport
- Great Oaks High School and Career Center, South Des Moines
- Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids
- Red Barn School House, Crescent
The following four high-performing, existing charter schools will receive awards of $780,000 each that can be used to expand high-quality charter school models:
- Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Des Moines
- Hamburg Charter School, Hamburg
- Opportunity Education Network - Cedar Rapids Prep, Cedar Rapids
- Opportunity Education Network - Des Moines Prep, Des Moines
Like all public schools, Iowa’s charter schools require students to participate in the statewide assessment and accountability system. Charter schools offer specialized educational opportunities, including career pathways, STEM education and programs designed to help at-risk students succeed. Iowa currently has 13 operating charter schools and another four that have been approved to open August 2027.
Funds for the Iowa Charter Schools Program Grant are provided through a multi-year competitive Expanding Opportunities through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to State Entities grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The amount awarded to Iowa totals more than $43 million over five years to support the success of high-quality public charter schools across the state.
All authorized charter schools were eligible to apply for the Iowa Charter School Program Grant funds for the 2026-27 school year. Charter schools intending to open on or after August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $1.2 million in start-up funds. All charter schools that were open before August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $780,000 in expansion grants. A total of nine charter schools applied and all nine were awarded an Iowa Charter School Program Grant.
The fiscal year 2027 Iowa Charter Schools Program (CSP) application period is now open, with applications due February 3, 2027. Additional information on the Iowa Charter School Program Grant is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s Charter School page.