Applications for Iowa’s Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) program for the 2025-26 school year opened Wednesday, April 16. Families can access the online application through the Students First ESA webpage, a link to which is included with this story on our website. New applicants must create an ESA Portal account before applying while returning applicants will log in to their existing accounts. Applications are available in English and Spanish and are due by 11:59 p.m. on June 30. The Students First Act, signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023, allows state education funding to be directed by parents and guardians for students attending accredited non-public schools in Iowa. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, all Iowa K-12 students are eligible for ESAs, regardless of income. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified educational expenses. Residency will be verified using the applicant’s 2024 Iowa tax return. For assistance, families can contact Odyssey, the program’s administrator, at 515-368-9564 or help.ia@withodyssey.com.
