As a Public school focused on promoting accessibility and finding new ways to reshape educational environments, we know how important it is to take the road less traveled to create positive change. Through this Blog Post, we share the scheduling approaches implemented at Iowa Choice Charter School. These approaches may differ from those found across traditional educational environments. However, we believe these approaches create space for us to facilitate change across the realm of education.

Enrolling a Student in a Private or Public school is a significant choice that can profoundly shape their educational journey. Each option has unique advantages and considerations that Parents and Families should review throughout the choosing process. In this guide, we explore five key factors to help Parents and Families determine whether a Private or Public school is the best fit for their Student(s). While the purpose of this Blog Post is to provide an unbiased guide for Parents and Families to determine what type of school is the best fit, we still share the aspects of our school that do not necessarily align with the culture and experiences of other Public schools.

Social media undoubtedly shapes the educational experience in profound ways, offering both opportunities for connection and expression in addition to mental health and well-being challenges. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we believe that by promoting responsible usage, encouraging positive interactions, and prioritizing healthy digital decisions, we can empower our Students to navigate the maze of social media with confidence, resilience, and integrity. As an educational institution serving Students in an environment that is 100% virtual, online safety is important to us.

In early 2020, all sectors and industries, both public and private, were forced to completely shift and reorganize their operations to accommodate a new standard. As we focused on providing Students who typically have low access with a quality High School education option, we knew we needed an online platform like no other. Enter our virtual learning platform: The Charterverse. We want Students to find their niche while inspired and comfortable enough to be the best version of themselves! So, we meet Students where they are and provide the support they need to become successful adults through The Charterverse!

This Blog Post explores the advantages and disadvantages connected to traditional brick-and-mortar schools as well as virtual schools. Identifying pros and cons can help potential Students choose the educational institution type that best fits them. When choosing between traditional brick-and-mortar and virtual schools, Students should determine their immediate needs while considering what they may need in the future. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we believe that no matter what, Students should strive to find an educational environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth!

In the Fall of 2023, our Executive Director, Dr. Cynthia Knight, was interviewed by Dan Smith, Director of Development at Josiah White’s Quakerdale Foundation, to discuss the educational landscape in Iowa. This Blog Post provides an overview of their conversation on how Parents and Families can find a school where their Students belong and can thrive. We hope that reviewing this conversation via our Blog proves educational and insightful!

At Iowa Choice Charter School, we feel that the true impact of earning a High School diploma extends far beyond graduation day. In the real world, this seemingly simple piece of paper carries profound implications for the future. Of course, celebrating the accomplishments of Iowa Choice Charter School Students is a priority to us, especially on graduation day. And, while this moment brings a lot of excitement, planning for the future can be just as exciting! Although many may recognize the completion of High School as an end, we see it as a new beginning that represents a brighter and more promising future for our Students.

Pinpointing the exact time when Iowa started losing its status as a top-performing state in education can be challenging, as educational rankings can fluctuate over time due to various factors like changes in education policies, demographics, and assessment methods. Instead of looking back and figuring out what we did wrong, we should examine our current educational systems with a future-focused mindset. This approach will help us determine what measures are necessary in preparing our youth for the future world in which they will grow up and thrive.

Iowa Choice Charter School believes in honoring the individual journey of each Student, from celebrating their academic achievements to remaining aware of their struggles. In an era where standardization often overshadows individuality, we stand as a beacon of celebration for the diverse tapestry that is our Student body, with each thread representing their unique personalities and circumstances. Although conformity is prevalent throughout society, our commitment to appreciating each Student's individuality represents our culture. As Iowa Choice Charter School Students embark on their journeys after High School, they do so knowing they can shine bright!

Although the personal circumstances our Students experience can impact their future choices differently, we know how important it is to provide them with helpful resources no matter how they decide to move forward upon completing their High School education. For High School Students, knowing how to manage the next phase of life after earning a diploma is critical, and thoughtful planning is essential. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we partner with High Schoolers to create future-focused plans centered around their individual goals and aspirations! Our structure ensures that each Student has the tools necessary for success throughout their time with us and beyond.

Iowa Choice Charter School Students know we care. Not only do they know we care, but they also know that we will always be there for them and will NEVER give up on them. Our one-of-a-kind virtual Campus alongside our flexible class scheduling structure focused on accommodating Students allows us to stand strong as an unparalleled Public School option in the state of Iowa. Plus, our mentors set us apart from all other online options in our area as they help Students with coursework while supporting them in developing executive functioning skills, locating resources, and addressing personal needs.

The 5R’s that we’ve listed as strategies (Rest, Rehydrate, Reflect, Reenergize, Reorganize) to guide Students as they navigate winter break are all strategies we feel are essential for success. Iowa Choice Charter School motivates Students to be proactive in all areas of life and with our Mission of increasing the High School graduation rate across the state of Iowa as our guide, we go above and beyond to do this whenever and however we can. During this season, we inspire Students to keep in mind that a thoughtful approach to their winter break can make a significant positive impact on their personal journeys, now and in the future!

Iowa Choice Charter School is on a mission to shape the future of education and we need a boost - this is where everyone comes in! We want to invite others to support us in our endeavors to increase Student enrollment at our school. If there’s anyone who wants to know about the why or the how - this is where we come in! Boosting Student enrollment at Iowa Choice Charter School is not just about numbers; it's about fostering a community dedicated to academic excellence, diversity, and personal growth. Together, we can open doors to education and create an environment where every Student can thrive. It is our hope that you will join us on this journey as we work to make a lasting impact on the lives of young Learners and empower tomorrow! 

A distraction is anything that prevents an individual from giving their undivided attention to a task, responsibility, or endeavor that is necessary to their achieving success. Although everyone is held accountable for their performance here at Iowa Choice Charter School, we remain aware of the fact that December distractions are inevitable. And, we believe that with awareness and proactive strategies, our Students, Educators, and Leaders can navigate them successfully. This Blog Post is dedicated to those pesky December distractions that can get in the way of us ending the year strong!

The landscape of school funding in Iowa has changed. Are you ready for what is to come? At Iowa Choice Charter School, we are passionate about educating Stakeholders and our Community about the factors that impact our overall structure and function as an educator of Students. Through this Blog Post, we aim to enlighten everyone about what is truly happening when it comes to Public Charter School law and the financial security therein. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we recognize that the landscape of education is always evolving. And, we recognize that Public Charter Schools, along with the policies governing them, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our educational system.

Most are familiar with traditional Public Schools. And, as Public Charter Schools have become more visible across the educational landscape, misconceptions about them have also become more visible. Unfortunately, misconceptions about Public Charter Schools can cloud the conversation, leading to misunderstandings about their purpose and impact. Here at Iowa Choice Charter School, we hope that by shedding light on five common misconceptions about Public Charter Schools while sharing why they should, in fact, be labeled as misconceptions, we can positively contribute to the conversation. 

The decision of going to college or entering the workforce directly upon graduating High School is a significant one. In fact, it is a choice that should be made based on careful consideration of various factors. Iowa Choice Charter School prepares Students for both pathways as we believe that there is no right or wrong path to take, only the path that each Student individually feels suits their personal goals and aspirations! Ultimately, the decision a Student makes as far as how they choose to continue on in their professional journey after earning their High School diploma is theirs. However, at Iowa Choice Charter School, we feel that the decision made should match their individual goals, values, and circumstances. 

The importance of mentorship cannot be overstated, as it remains an invaluable tool for those seeking guidance and support on their journey to personal and professional excellence. Mentorship is not just about achieving goals; it's about building a relationship that fosters growth, resilience, and a brighter future for all involved. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we believe in the power of mentorship and connect our Students with mentors that help guide them toward a brighter future as they continue to take steps on their educational journey!

At Iowa Choice Charter School, we recognize that earning a High School Diploma is a wonderful accomplishment. And, we recognize that while navigating life after graduation can be a time filled with excitement and anticipation, it can also bring about anxiety and confusion for Students. High Schools play an important role in preparing Students for the transition into life after graduation. While academics are central to each Student as they earn their High School Diploma, once this milestone has been reached, they should be able to continue with the skills, values and confidence they need to embark on their unique journeys after graduation!

For some, High School years can be filled with memorable highlights and positive moments that involve achieving and celebrating significant milestones. For others, it's a period marked by challenges and hardship. For most, it is both of these experiences combined. And, it is important to recognize that the stress High School Students experience should not be underestimated. At Iowa Choice Charter School, we understand that when our Students have access to resources that can help them manage stressful situations, they are better equipped to finish their High School career and make their way to a brighter future.