About ESAs…
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 at accredited private schools in Iowa.
How ESAs Work…
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 ($7,598 for the 2023-2024 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.
Who is Eligible for an ESA?
Year 1: 2023-2024
- 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: 2024-2025
- 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: 2025-2026
- All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income
How do I apply for an ESA?
The application process is in development now and details, including the application start date, will be provided soon. 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.
Since the application process is not ready yet, what can I do now to plan for next year?
At this time, we are encouraging families interested in learning more about planning for next school year to reach out to our Director of Finance, Kady Hall, at kady.hall@regina.org or 319.337.2580 to ensure that you receive the latest updates as they relate to Education Savings Accounts.
Have additional questions?
If you have any questions about the admissions process or learning more about how ESAs can help make Regina your school of choice for your student(s), please contact our Director of Admissions, Pam Schowalter, at pam.schowalter@regina.org or 319.499.4006.
More Information About ESAs…
Learn More About ESAs: For reliable and timely information, including Frequently Asked Questions, check out following the resources provided by the Iowa Department of Education. You may also click the button below to sign up to receive updates
through the Department of Education.
