Admissions

Start with a visit, not an application

Every child is different. Visit a normal school day, ask questions, and talk openly with us about fit. If it feels right, we'll help you understand what comes next.

Schedule a visit

Preschool students gathered beside a fire truck while a Norwalk firefighter guides the visit — From the school's post: “Thank you Norwalk Fire Dept for taking the time to show Main Street School preschoolers the importance of fire safety and your firetruck! Thank you for keeping us safe!”

Next steps

What happens after you contact us?

There's no pressure and no rush. Here's how the process usually goes.

We start with a conversation.

Reach out and tell us a little about your child. There's no commitment, just a chance to talk and ask questions.

You visit the school and ask questions.

Come see a normal school day, meet teachers, and get a feel for how learning works here.

We talk about whether Main Street is the right fit.

Every child is different. We're honest about who we serve well so families can make a confident decision.

If it feels right, we walk you through enrollment and funding.

We'll guide you through the application and help you understand Iowa Students First ESA steps for K–12 families.

Elementary students seated on floor mats listening to a visiting Annett Nature Center educator — From the school's post: “Another visit from Hootin’ Hannah at Annett Nature Center! Today we learned about animal prints in the snow and the stories they tell.”

Members of the Foods 1 class preparing lunch together at a kitchen counter — From the school's post: “Homemade pasta for lunch today courtesy of the Foods 1 class. Delicious!”

Tuition & funding

Current tuition and funding questions

Tuition varies by program. Ask us for current tuition and fees; current Students First ESA information is listed here.

Ask for current tuition and fees

Contact the school office for the current rates and program-specific fees that apply to your child.

Ask about current tuition

2026–27 Iowa Students First ESA

Iowa's Students First ESA provides $8,148 per eligible K–12 student for the 2026–27 school year. Main Street School is an Iowa-accredited nonpublic school, so ESA funds can be used toward K–12 tuition here. The state requires a new ESA application each year and sets its own residency, enrollment, and payment requirements. Applying to Main Street is separate: families can apply to the school at any time.

Review current state ESA details

Current payment and funding options

Ask the school office which current payment or assistance options may apply to your family.

Apply

Already visited and ready to apply?

Applications are completed through a secure online system. Select the option that applies to your family below.

New Student

For families whose child has not previously attended Main Street School.

Apply — new student

Returning Student

For families re-enrolling a student who has previously attended Main Street School.

Apply — returning student

Before you apply

Questions about visiting and applying

A normal school-day visit gives your family and the school a clearer basis for talking about fit.

How do we know whether Main Street might be a good fit for our child?

Start with a visit on a normal school day. Tell us what helps your child learn, what has been hard, and what you hope will feel different. A visit gives you a chance to see how the school works and gives us a basis for an honest conversation about fit.

Do we need to send records before the first conversation?

Start with a conversation rather than sending records. If records are needed later, the school will explain which ones and how to share them securely. Do not send medical, educational, or other sensitive records through the contact form.

Is Main Street School accredited?

Yes. Main Street School is ISACS-accredited. The Iowa Department of Education lists it as a K–12 independently accredited nonpublic school with ISACS as its accrediting agency.