About ESA's
1
What is the Students First Act?
The Student First Act was introduced by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and signed into law on January 24, 2023. This law makes state funding available in the form of Education Savings Accounts for all Iowa K-12 students who choose to attend accredited nonpublic schools beginning with the 2025/26 school year.
2
What is an Education Savings Account?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a deposit of public funds into government-authorized savings accounts which eligible families may use to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa.
3
Will TTCS be able to accept ESA’s?
Yes. The TTCS Board of Directors is working on obtaining accreditation through Christian Schools International so that we will be able to accept ESA’s when we open for classes in August of 2025.
4
Do I need to apply for enrollment at TTCS before I apply for an ESA?
Yes, it is important that you fill out an application with Tama-Toledo Christian School and follow the necessary steps in the TTCS enrollment process, which will include the on-line ESA application at the appropriate time.
5
How do ESAs work in Iowa?
Parents who enroll their eligible children in an accredited private school will receive an amount set by the legislature each year. For the 2024/25 school year that amount is $7,826 per child. Funds are deposited into the student's ESA yearly (managed by a state contractor called Odyssey), and the parent pays the school through an on-line website application. Unused ESA funds roll over from year to year and remain available until the student graduates high school or turns 20. The remaining balance is returned to the state general fund.
6
Who is eligible?
ESA's in Iowa will be available to all families regardless of income by the time that Tama-Toledo Christian School begins classes in the 2025/26 school year.
7
How Are ESA funds managed?
The state has signed a contract with a company called Odyssey to manage program administration for Students First Education Savings Accounts, including applications, financial transactions, compliance, fraud prevention, and customer service.
8
How do I apply?
The application process for each school year opens in mid April of that year, please contact TTCS for the specific date. An application link will be posted at that time on educateiowa.gov/pk-12/students-first-education-savings-accounts. Only one application is needed per household. Parents/guardians can add multiple students attending multiple schools from their households. The on-line application process should take no more than 10-15 minutes, and results will be available immediately. TTCS staff will be able to work with each family to complete the process if needed.
9
When is the ESA application deadline?
Applications are due at the end of June for each school year. Applications are valid for one year; a family must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.
10
Where do I get more information?
Parents are invited to send their questions to studentsfirst@iowa.gov or call 515-281-5211 for more information.