Iowa Association of Christian Schools

The Public Policy Voice of Iowa's Protestant, Christ-Centered Schools since 1976.

The public policy voice of Iowa's Protestant,
Christ-centered schools since 1976.

Education Savings Accounts – Applications for the 2025-26 school year open April 16

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2025-26 ESA Information from the Iowa Department of Education Website

Iowa’s Students First ESA Program: 2025-26 School Year

Starting with the 2025-26 school year and beyond, all Iowa resident K-12 students are eligible for the Students First ESA program, regardless of household income.

Application Details:

  • The Students First ESA Application is available in both English and Spanish.

  • The application window for the 2025-26 school year opens on April 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., and closes on June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

  • Apply Now!

First-Time Applicants

  1. Parents/guardians must sign up using an email and password.

  2. A confirmation email from Odyssey will be sent—follow the instructions to verify your email.

  3. Once verified, log in to the ESA portal to complete the application.

Returning Applicants

Parents/guardians with an existing ESA portal account can simply log in and submit their application for the 2025-26 school year.

Funding & Benefits

Families enrolling eligible children in an accredited Iowa nonpublic school will receive funding equal to the per-pupil allocation provided to public school districts for the same year. For the 2025-26 school year, this amount is $7,826, with potential increases based on legislative decisions. Funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA) and can be used for tuition, fees, and other approved education expenses.

2025-26 ESA Calendar Important Program Deadlines

  • April 16, 2025 – ESA Applications Open
    Parents/Guardians can begin applying for an ESA at 8:00 a.m.
  • June 30, 2025 – ESA Applications Close
    The deadline to submit an ESA application for the 2025-26 school year is 11:59 p.m.
  • July 15, 2025 – Fall ESA Funds Available
    Fall ESA funds are available.
  • September 30, 2025 – Enrollment & Payment Deadline
    To receive and retain ESA funds, each participant must (1) be attending an accredited nonpublic school in Iowa, and (2) pay tuition and fees through the ESA portal by 11:59 p.m.
    Failure to complete this step will make the student ineligible to receive and retain ESA funds for the 2025-26 school year.
  • October 1, 2025 – Eligibility Finalized
    Any student with an approved ESA application who is not attending an Iowa accredited nonpublic school or who did not pay fall tuition and fees through the ESA portal by September 30, 2025 are determined to be ineligible.
  • December 1, 2025 – Spring ESA Funds Available
    Spring ESA funds are available.
  • February 1, 2026 – Spring Tuition & Fees Deadline
    Parents must pay spring tuition and fees through the ESA portal by 11:59 p.m.

For help with ESA applications, please contact: help.ia@withodyssey.com or 515-368-9564