Stories
Iowa families love learning their way!
Schipper Family
Wellsburg, IA
Jenn, Single mom
ESA Recipient
Des Moines
As a single mom, I was struggling with what my son was being taught in our public school. When I started paying closer attention to the curriculum, I realized something had to change. I wanted him to have better opportunities and to be in an environment that reflected our family’s values.
Thankfully, my parents had started an Iowa 529 plan for him years ago. Prior to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) we needed to use the money from that 529 just to get him through middle and high school. None of us ever imagined we’d be draining his college savings to make sure he received the education he deserved – but that’s exactly what happened.
When my son transferred to a private Christian school, we found out he was two years behind in reading – even though the public school said he was “proficient.” That was eye-opening. It confirmed everything I had felt in my heart: he needed a different kind of education to truly succeed.
The ESA program has been such a blessing. It lifted a huge financial burden and gave us peace of mind. Now, instead of worrying about how to pay tuition, I can focus on watching him grow and thrive. He’s catching up, gaining confidence, and finally learning in a school that challenges him academically and strengthens him spiritually.
Thanks to ESAs, I can start rebuilding his college savings and know that he’s being prepared for both college and life – in an environment where faith, family, and education all work together.
The Peuses, Family of Five
Ames
Sophia, a third grader in an Ames public school, struggled with math. Despite her parents’ efforts—tutors, summer classes, evaluations—the school lacked the time, resources, or will to help. After three frustrating years, Adam and Kelly enrolled Sophia in Ames Christian School with financial support from Kelly’s parents. From the start, they were told the school was parent-led—a perfect fit for their values. Welcomed like family, Sophia and her siblings began to thrive.
Tragedy struck two months later when Kelly’s parents were killed in a train accident, leaving a financial burden on the family for the upcoming year’s tuition. That’s when Kelly discovered Iowa’s new school choice law, which allowed families to use a portion of their tax dollars for private education. Their prayers were answered.
Adam and Kelly are deeply grateful for the ESA law and for all who helped make parental choice a reality in Iowa.
Josue, School Choice Beneficiary
Davenport
The Power of School Choice: What if the school your child was assigned to put their future at risk? My mother faced that decision and made a choice that changed my life forever.
Education is one of the powerful tools for shaping a child’s future. As a firm believer in school choice, I fully support parents having the ability to decide what school best meets their children’s needs. My conviction on this issue is deeply personal because over twenty years ago, my mother made a bold decision that altered my life.
Before school choice was a policy, my mother exercised it in her way. When I was preparing to enter high school, my assigned school was plagued with gangs, drugs, and low academic performance. In fact, in 2002, it was named the most dangerous high school in the city. However, like any teenager, I was angry when she moved me to another state for a better education. I didn’t understand why she was taking me away from my friends and the only environment I had known. But she saw the bigger picture.
Looking back, I now know her decision was the best for my life. She removed me from a failing school and placed me where I could thrive. That choice led me to graduate from college, build a successful career, run for State Representative in Iowa, and even meet the President of the United States. My story proves that parents know what’s best for their children. Long before school choice was a movement, my mother demonstrated its value. I fully support Iowa’s commitment to empowering parents to shape their children’s futures.
Pastor Carter and Anna Brown,
ESA Recipient
Cedar Falls, IA
When we moved into a house around the corner from a school, we assumed our education journey would take place in our neighborhood. We were not aware at the time of all the options available to us when it comes to education.
Now we leave our neighborhood every morning and drive across town to a school that partners with us in the education of our kids in a way that other schools in our area don’t. Our family has been so blessed by both the education options available to us, as well as the resources that make those options more well known and accessible.
The Thomsens, Family of Five
Cedar Falls
When we learned about Education Savings Accounts, we were absolutely thrilled, as we no longer had to carry the weight of full tuition for each of our three children. Making Christian education affordable and therefore, more accessible, to families is an absolute game changer for those who want an academic learning environment grounded in biblical truth.
Jill, Mom of Three
Muscatine
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Jill, Mom of Three
Muscatine
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