Iowa School Enrollment Dips Slightly from Last Year

Fewer students are attending Iowa schools this year, though the overall change is relatively small.

The Iowa Department of Education reports K–12 enrollment dropped by about 5,000 students — roughly a one percent decline — bringing the statewide total to 515,221 students. State officials say the decrease mirrors a nationwide trend tied to lower birth rates.

The report also shows shifts in where students are attending school. About nine percent of Iowa public school students — more than 44,500 — are open enrolled in a public school outside their home district.

At the same time, enrollment at Iowa-accredited nonpublic schools increased by more than eight percent compared to last year.

The figures are based on certified enrollment counts, which reflect students who were enrolled in school as of October 1.