| PUBLIC SCHOOLS | | PRIVATE SCHOOLS |
| YES | Required by law to accept all students, including those with disabilities | NO |
| YES | Subject to Iowa open meetings and public records requirements | NO |
| YES | Accountable to Iowa taxpayers and voters | NO |
| YES | Prohibited from charging additional fees other than those allowed (textbook and lunch) | NO |
| YES | Administer standardized test as required by the state and share all the results with the public so they can compare results | NO |
| YES | Required to report data to the state regarding achievement gaps or disproportionate results for students | NO |
| YES | Required by law to have Iowa licensed teachers and provide background checks for employees | NO |
| YES | Governed by publicly elected school boards | NO |
| YES | All meetings of the school board open to the public | NO |
| YES | School budgets approved in a hearing open to the public | NO |
| YES | Required by law to provide transportation to and from school for students with some exceptions | NO |
| YES | Accept private school students for classes, activities, or sports not offered at the private school | NA |
