Vouchers

Almost two years ago, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Students First Act into law, which allows families to use the public funds for private schooling.

Since then, Iowa’s private schools, particularly Catholic ones, have seen a bump in enrollment.

According to the Iowa Catholic Conference, Catholic schools in Iowa saw enrollment increase roughly 25,000 students this school year.

About two thirds used state funding to cover the cost.

Xavier Catholic Schools President Chris McCarville say he sees that in his schools.

“We’re up about 3% total enrollment from where we were last year. About 61% of our families within Xavier Catholic schools, utilize an ESA, that’s a 24% increase over last year.” he said.

Iowa Catholic schools are also seeing a more diverse student population.

This year there are nearly 5% more non-white students, 28% more English-learning students, and 15% more students in special education.

McCarville says he’s grateful for this.

“The more and more that we can have families that represent a worldwide Catholic Church here in Cedar Rapids and Marion, certainly that’s only for the better for our students and our families.” he said.

Iowa Department of Education data shows last school year more than 41,000 students left public schools.

This academic year students can use about $7800 through the state’s voucher system to pay for private education.

That equates to more than   $320 million dollars.