The top reported proficiency rate is 38% in English language arts. The lowest is 19% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Choice Charter School
Choice Charter School is a public charter high school serving grades nine through twelve in Union, Iowa, operated by the Choice Charter Schools district. It is a full-time virtual public school, authorized by the Iowa Department of Education and established around 2021 as a new independent charter district. The school describes itself as an option for students who cannot or will not return to a traditional school setting, and it offers flexible scheduling, mentorship for every student, and industry credential opportunities.
State testing data is available for the 2024-25 school year, but the numbers come from a small group of students and should be read with that context in mind. Proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science were each below half, with math notably lower than the other two subjects. The participation rate for testing was just over half of eligible students, which is a detail a parent may want to follow up on with the school. The school’s overall proficiency index, which combines all tested subjects, placed it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Hardin County. Only one year of testing data was available, so no trend can be reported. The school’s high school graduation rate is not present in the data provided; this is a gap that likely reflects the school’s relatively recent founding and alternative nature, but a parent looking for this information would need to ask the school directly.
Enrollment is modest, with the largest concentration of students in the senior class. The student body is predominantly white, with Hispanic and Black students making up noticeable shares, and a very small number of Asian and multiracial students. Just under a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Information on special education and English learner populations was not available.
Housing values in the area around Union are below both the state and national averages, though they have been rising at a faster pace than the state average in the most recent year measured. This gives the community a relatively affordable housing base, though one that is becoming less so. National economic context includes a 30-year mortgage rate in the low six percent range and a national unemployment rate just above four percent at the time of this reporting.
The school’s district, Choice Charter Schools, was founded specifically to provide a virtual public school option for grades seven through twelve in this region. Publicly reported information states that the school offers live and time-choice classes, gives every student a designated mentor, and provides free technology tools. Its flexible scheduling, including a late start to the school day, is designed to accommodate students who have circumstances that make a traditional school day difficult. The school’s growth in enrollment since its founding suggests ongoing demand for this type of alternative public education pathway.
For a family considering Choice Charter School, the key takeaway is that this is not a conventional brick-and-mortar high school. It is a virtual alternative school that serves a specific population of students who are looking for a non-traditional route to a diploma. Academic proficiency on state tests is low, but that context is crucial: the school serves students who have often struggled in traditional settings. A parent who wants a flexible, mentor-supported online learning environment may find this a strong fit. A parent who expects a comprehensive, high-achieving academic program with typical extracurriculars and high test scores will likely look elsewhere. The missing graduation rate and the incomplete testing participation are points that warrant direct inquiry with school leadership.
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