The Students First Act, introduced by Governor Reynolds and signed into law on January 24, 2023, makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa. The bill establishes a framework and funding for education savings accounts, which may be used by eligible families to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses as specified in the legislation.
How it Works
Parents who choose to enroll their eligible children in an accredited private school will receive an amount equal to the per pupil funding allocated to public school districts for the same budget school year. Funds will be deposited into an education savings account (ESA) to be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses as specified in the legislation.
The state has signed a contract with Odyssey to manage program administration for Students First Education Savings Accounts, including applications, financial transactions, compliance, fraud prevention and customer service. Odyssey will implement the technology platform.
Who is Eligible
ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:
Year 1: School Year 2023-24
- All entering kindergarten students
- All students enrolled in a public school
- A student enrolled in a private school with a household income at or below 300% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines, $90,000 for a family of four
Year 2: School Year 2024-25
- All entering kindergarten students
- All students enrolled in a public school
- A student enrolled in a private school with a household income at or below 400% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines that will be updated January 2024
Year 3: School Year 2025-26
- All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income
How to Apply
The application process is in development now with plans to begin taking applications May 31, 2023 and a link will be provided. Applications will be due on June 30, 2023, for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are valid for one year; a family must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.
For a helpful Q&A, visit the Iowa Department of Education website You can also sign up there to receive email notifications each time new information on the ESA program becomes available.