Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about the Education Savings Account program, and what families can do if they want to utilize these available funds.
What is an ESA?
The Education Savings Account (ESA) was passed by the state of Iowa to assist parents with the payment of their child(s) Kindergarten through 12th grade education expenses. This account will need to be applied for every year but once accepted, the child is eligible every year. The per pupil funding for the 2025-26 school year will be $7,988. Eligibility extends until the student turns 20 years old or graduates from high school- whichever comes first. Moneys remaining in a pupil’s individual account when the pupil graduates from high school or turns twenty years of age, whichever occurs first, shall be transferred by the department of education for deposit in the general fund of the state.
The state contracted with Odyssey for ESA program administration, including applications, financial transactions, compliance, fraud prevention, and customer service. Odyssey securely administers funds and provides families with direct customer service and support.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, and for each subsequent year, all Iowa resident K-12 students are eligible regardless of income.
Iowa DOE ESA Website: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/education-savings-accounts
The Students First ESA Application window for the 2025-26 school year is open on April 16, 2025 through June 30, 2025. Apply Now
Applying for the first time: Parents/guardians will first be directed to sign up using their name, email, and password. After parents/guardians select ‘Create Account’ on the sign-up page, the parents/guardians will enter the ESA portal. Begin the application by clicking “Start Application”.
Returning applicants: Parents/guardians with an existing ESA portal account will log in to the existing account to begin the application for the 2025-26 school year.
For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Iowa Department of Education website.
Students First Education Savings Accounts | Iowa Department of Education
Please stop by the school or call Frank Parris with any additional questions, he is happy to discuss this option with you.
Central Lutheran School 