Rivermont benefits from first year of Iowa law

Since an Iowa school choice law was signed a year ago today, Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf has had 28 students take advantage of it – including nine new to the private school, across all K-12 grade levels.

The Students First Act was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds exactly a year ago on Jan. 24th, 2023, which allows Iowa families to choose the school that best suits them.

The Students First Act helps Iowa families pay about $7,600 of annual tuition, which in Rivermont’s case covers about half the annual tuition costs (before scholarship aid), according to the school at 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf.

The state funds must be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses through an Education Savings Account (ESA). Rivermont offers additional scholarship aid, bringing the total cost of attending private school well within reach for Iowans.

Parents who choose to enroll their eligible children in an accredited non-public school will receive an amount equal to the per pupil funding allocated to public school districts for the same budget school year. Funds will be deposited into an ESA to be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses as specified in the legislation.

“We have seen this program’s positive impact,” Rivermont headmaster Max Roach said in a Wednesday release. “With small class sizes for more individualized attention and a faculty that holds advanced degrees, we are the top-ranked private school in Iowa and top 10% nationally, and we are excited to see more families taking advantage of the benefits of the Students First Act.”

“Students learn from an accomplished faculty that includes innumerable master’s degrees and PhDs, a former UN Ambassador, several former college and university professors, and several authors. Rivermont provides an unmatched educational experience,” Roach added.

All students currently enrolled in public schools automatically qualify for ESA tuition funds, regardless of household income. Those already enrolled in non-public schools are subject to household income requirements — at or below 300% federal poverty level ($90,000 for a family of four).

“Many of our current families qualify for ESA funds this year, and we anticipate that most will be eligible next year. During the 2025-2026 school year, all students in Iowa will become eligible regardless of income,” said Roach.

“Talent is not confined to a particular income level. All students should have access to a quality education that aligns with their academic goals and abilities,” Roach said Wednesday. “Rivermont is a global campus with a diverse student body. Our diversity, including socioeconomic, enriches the Rivermont experience for all.”

Applications for the ESA will open from April 16th through the end of June. Students who were approved in the current school year (and are still Iowa residents) are automatically eligible for ESA funding in the 2024-2025 school year.

“Our kids really love it at Rivermont. You should have seen how excited Isaac was to see his teacher this morning,” said Lissa Henrichs, parent of pre-kindergarten and third-grade students. “They love their teachers and the school’s activities and take full advantage of Rivermont’s community. We’re a proud Rivermont family.”

“Students at Rivermont are part of an atmosphere unlike any other in the Quad Cities area,” said Roach. “We’re more than a basic private school — we’re a global village where local kids make friends with our boarding students from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. It’s amazing to see our cultural diversity and the family atmosphere build those strong connections.”

For more information about Rivermont Collegiate, click HERE. For more information on the Students First Act and eligibility, click HERE.

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