Starting a Private School in Iowa
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Iowa. Enjoy!
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See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Iowa State Regulations
General Regulations
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Registration and licensing are not required, but schools must be accredited by the state or by an approved accrediting agency.
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Nonpublic schools must appoint an advisory committee to assist in guiding the school.
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The Iowa Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Iowa.
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Homeschooling can be provided by a licensed professional or as part of a free private instruction program enrolling no more than 4 students.
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The Iowa DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
In Iowa, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Curriculum Requirements
Nonpublic schools must follow Iowa’s extensive curriculum guidelines.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teachers must hold licenses/certifications in the area they are hired to teach.
Food Services / Lunch
In Arizona, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Health and Nutrition Services division of the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
The school year must consist of 180 days, of which students must attend at least 147.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must keep cumulative student records and provide student enrollment information if requested.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Schools must host fire and tornado drills each year.
Transportation
Nonpublic school students are entitled to transportation the same as public school students.
Testing
State agencies provide testing to nonpublic school students in the same manner as public school students.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Iowa State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
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Iowa Association of Christian Schools (IACS): IACS represents Christian schools in public policy both by tracking public policy to provide information to member schools, as well as advocating on behalf of our member schools at the Iowa Legislature.
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Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.