Charter Schools Grants Program

The Iowa Department of Education administers the charter school authorization and funding framework under Iowa Code chapter 256E. Charter schools in Iowa operate as public schools governed independently by a board and authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education. These schools are granted flexibility in curriculum design, staffing, budgeting, and instructional approaches in exchange for accountability in student outcomes and operational performance. Authorization is granted through a formal application process, and schools must demonstrate measurable success within a five-year charter term to maintain their status. The purpose of the charter school application process is to evaluate and approve qualified founding groups seeking to establish new public charter schools within the state. Eligible applicants include both independent founding groups and school board-led initiatives. Charter schools may be established as new attendance centers, conversions of existing schools, or new programs within existing school structures. The program is designed to expand educational choice for families and promote innovation in public education delivery. Funding for authorized charter schools is provided through state aid on a per-pupil basis. The funding model includes the state cost per pupil for multiple components such as the regular program, teacher salary supplement, teacher leadership supplement, professional development supplement, and early intervention supplement. Additional funding is available for English Learner students based on proficiency levels. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the total per-pupil funding amount is calculated at 9,404.36 dollars annually for full-year enrollment, with additional weighted funding for qualifying students. Payments are distributed monthly from September through June based on reported enrollment and reconciliation periods. The application process requires submission of a complete charter school proposal aligned with one of the approved models. While a Notice of Intent to Apply is encouraged to support planning and review, it is not mandatory for eligibility. Applications must include detailed plans covering academic programming, operational capacity, and financial sustainability. Applicants are also required to conduct public forums within their proposed service area and participate in interviews as part of the evaluation process. Applications are reviewed by a Department Review Team composed of internal and external experts who assess readiness and capacity using nationally recognized standards. The review process includes document evaluation, community input through public forums, and applicant interviews. Final authorization decisions are made by the Iowa State Board of Education based on recommendations from the review team. The application timeline for the 2026–2027 cycle begins with optional Notice of Intent submissions between August 3 and September 1, 2026. Applications are officially released on August 17, 2026, and must be submitted by November 2, 2026. Reviews and interviews occur between November 2026 and January 2027, with authorization decisions expected in January 2027. Contract drafting and approval follow, with final authorization completed in February 2027. This program operates on an annual cycle, with similar timelines expected in subsequent years. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Iowa Department of Education Charter School Team via email at charters@iowa.gov. Additional contacts are available for finance and reporting inquiries. The program emphasizes transparency, accountability, and innovation in public education, ensuring that approved charter schools are equipped to deliver high-quality outcomes for students across the state.