Over the last four years, IACS has surveyed every aligned Christian school in the state of Iowa. The survey has evolved, but a number of questions have remained the same for at least three of the last four years, which is starting to give us trends. This has been timely, as we began our survey a year before the Students First Act was passed and implemented, giving us a clearer picture of how the program has impacted our schools and their students. IACS member schools rate the organization very favorably, giving a net promoter score of 88 out of 100. Median net promoter score for nonprofit organizations is 63. A score above 70 is considered “world-class.”
Strong statewide participation:
68 schools responded, representing IACS’s largest network yet, 122 Christian schools across Iowa, up from 85 last year.
IACS saw an increase in rural schools, increasingly diverse:
60% of IACS schools identify as rural, reflecting a strong Christian education presence outside metro areas. Student diversity continues to grow, with non-white enrollment at 15%, matching Iowa’s overall demographics.
ESA program works well for families and schools:
Parents report overwhelmingly positive experiences with ESA applications and payments.
- 95%+ agree the application process is convenient
- 86% say ESA payments are approved conveniently
- 86% report schools receive payments in a timely manner
ESA participation continues to grow:
The average number of ESA students per school increased to 162.5, up significantly from last year (106), demonstrating sustained demand for school choice.
Enrollment growth balanced with capacity:
Schools enrolled an average of nearly 29 new students this year, while maintaining steady numbers of open seats, showing schools are intentionally building capacity, not overextending.
Waitlists remain stable despite demand:
Only 29% of schools report waitlists, consistent with last year, indicating thoughtful growth and planning across IACS schools.
Staffing remains the top challenge:
For the third consecutive year, finding qualified staff is the #1 challenge, cited by 68% of schools, underscoring a growing workforce concern.
Access for lower-income families remains a priority:
ESA funds, STO scholarships, and school-based financial aid continue to work together to support affordability — especially for families with multiple children.
Schools continue to expand IEP and special education services:
The percentage of students on IEPs and/or another specialized education program rose from 4.73% in 2024 to 5.9% in 2025.
Academic outcomes remain strong:
Among schools with high schools, all but two report a 100% graduation rate, highlighting continued academic stability and success.
