Welcome to Iowa ACE
Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education (Iowa ACE) is the voice for school choice in the state of Iowa. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to expanding school choice options in Iowa. Our mission is to promote educational choice for the benefit of Iowa’s children, so that all children and parents in Iowa can access and afford their school of choice.
SCHOOL OPTIONS FAIR – DES MOINES – JANUARY 25TH, 1-3 PM, IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS, PAUL KNAPP BLDG
Join us for an afternoon of family fun while exploring K-12 options in central Iowa including public, public charter, private, homeschool and microschooling options. We’ll have Superheroes, face painting, balloon twisting, music and refreshments – no cost to attend! RSVP here.
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (ESAs)
Iowa students may be eligible to receive over $7,800 in an Education Savings Account to cover expenses for private education options for the 2025-26 school year. The application portal for next school year is not yet open but likely will be in the spring. It is too late to apply for and receive an ESA for the 2024-25 school year.
The application portal is closed.
Check out our ESA page for information on eligibility and other details. You can also search for an eligible ESA school in your area with our school locator.
STO – School Tuition Organization Grants
If you missed the deadline for an ESA, you may still qualify for an STO grant to help afford tuition at an accredited, private school in Iowa. Check out our list of STOs and member schools and follow up with the school you’re interested in.
Attention School Administrators
Are you a private or faith-based school administrator needing help with promoting ESAs in your school community? We created an ESA toolkit to help you inform and engage parents, students, and educators about the benefits of ESAs in Iowa. Contact Iowa ACE to gain access to the ESA ToolKit located under Resources. ESA Toolkit >
529 Savings Accounts may be used to pay K-12 tuition
Iowa taxpayers can still deduct up to $4,028 in contributions per beneficiary (student) account from their adjusted gross income for the 2024 tax year, and can deduct up to $5,800 per beneficiary account for the 2025 tax year. The contribution deduction amount changes yearly. 529 funds may be used for K-12 tuition.
Click 529 Plan Information Updated 1.22.2025 for specific details. Always consult your tax adviser with any questions.