Iowa Association of Christian Schools

The Public Policy Voice of Iowa's Protestant, Christ-Centered Schools.

We are the public policy voice of
Iowa's Protestant, Christ-centered schools.

Wrapping Up School Choice Week

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This week, hundreds of events across the country celebrated the diversity of school options available to parents currently and called on policy makers to make it easier for low- to middle-income families to make that choice too.  In Iowa, IACS is part of the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education, which hosted a legislative breakfast at the Capitol this week with legislators meeting administrators from around the state and students from St. Theresa Catholic school and Ankeny Christian Academy.

There were dozens of stories in statewide and local media about school choice week but here are a couple from NW Iowa popping up on our news feeds and google alerts today:

It’s a Week for Celebration of School Choice

Western Offers More Than Education

White House Proclamation

Congressional Resolution

IACS January Newsletter – Legislative Session Preview

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Our IACS January 2019 Newsletter is out!  There are a few events to pencil in on your calendar and we have an overview on the legislature and our areas of focus for the year!

A Iowa Parent’s Guide to Online School Choice Resources

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As we travel the state and speak with groups of parents, it is clear that there is a need for clarification on school choice and a list of resources parents can use to get the facts.

Admittedly, the links below are from websites that support school choice.  We are confident using these resources and passing them on to you, the parent, because these organizations are reputable, pursue excellence, and are always above reproach on their research methodology and sources.  Click the links below and you’ll be armed with the latest information on ESAs, tax credits, vouchers, and school choice in general.  Take a few minutes and get acquainted with their work and let us know if you have any questions!

Organizations:

Ed Choice – Ed Choice has been Iowa’s most consistent source of support over the years when it comes to research and public policy help as well as helping us educate Iowans about the benefits of School choice.

CAPE – The Council for American Private Education is a national group and a great resource for research and news.  Iowa’s umbrella school choice group, Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education, is a CAPE affiliate.

Iowa ACE – The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education and its sister organization, Iowa Advocates for Choice in Education, are Iowa’s School Choice voice at the Capitol.  The Iowa Association of Christian Schools has permanent representation on the Iowa ACE board.  Iowa ACE is a coalition of private school groups from every sector, business and industry, and other advocacy groups that champion school choice.

American Federation for Children – Since 2006, AFC has been willing to engage in Iowa to support our legislative efforts.

Topics:

Education Savings Accounts – in addition to the organizations above, we have posted a number of articles, newsletters, videos, etc. on the subject of Education Savings Accounts.

Iowa’s Tax Credit Scholarship – Ed Choice has a great summary of Iowa’s “Educational Opportunities Act.”

Iowa’s Tuition and Textbooks Income Tax Credit – Although a relatively small amount of benefit for Iowa’s private school families overall, this can go a long way for those that itemize and are lower-middle-income.

Sign Up Today For Education Celebration 2017

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There are few opportunities better than Education Celebration to give students a great experience learning about civics, government, and advocacy.  Please consider bringing a group to the Capitol on April 6 in support of school choice and parental rights in education!

You can see more details and sign up here.  Signing up isn’t required but it helps Iowa ACE plan for materials and will get you helpful information ahead of time to help you plan your day at the Capitol!

We hope to see you there!

Our March Newsletter Is Out!

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Our IACS March 2017 Newsletter is out.  Please click the link to download the PDF.

Member schools: please share with your parents, teachers, staff, and supporters.   Thank you!