Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced that applications for Students First Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) will be accepted starting May 31. The Students First Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, will provide state funding for eligible students who attend accredited non-public schools starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The State Board of Education has adopted administrative rules that specify definitions for the program, eligibility requirements, and program administration and accountability. All incoming kindergarteners and K-12 students currently enrolled in a public school district are eligible for the ESA program. Families whose children attend an accredited non-public school are also eligible for ESAs based on their annual income during the program’s first two years. Income eligibility is 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the 2023-2024 school year and 400 percent for the 2024-2025 school year. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, all K-12 students in Iowa will be eligible for an ESA regardless of income. Parents will verify their eligibility using “net income” from their 2022 state tax form. Parents will complete and submit applications through an online system, which will be launched on May 31. Reynolds says, “As we prepare to accept applications later this month for Iowa’s landmark Students First ESA program, the rules approved today will provide families with the details they need to consider their options and prepare to apply. We are one step closer to providing choice in education for Iowa families regardless of income or zip code.” Applications will be accepted from May 31 through June 30 for the 2023-2024 school year. Links with additional information are included below.
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https://educateiowa.gov/documents/iowa-administrative-code-281-20-students-first-education-savings-accounts
https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/students-first-education-savings-accounts
