Des Moines school funding blog
Iowa ESA dates, data from the state's accredited school list, and how central Iowa families combine the ESA with grants and credits.
STO Grants, the Catholic Tuition Organization and the 2027 Federal Credit: Need-Based Aid on Top of the Iowa ESA
The ESA is universal; STO grants are need-based and stack with it. What Des Moines families below the 400% line should apply for this winter.
Read →Oct 26, 2026Where an Iowa ESA Works Around Des Moines: 34 Accredited Private Schools by Community
34 of 39 Des Moines-area private schools are on the state's accredited list. A community-by-community look, plus the five that are not.
Read →Oct 23, 2026The Iowa ESA and the Tuition and Textbook Credit: How the Math Works for Des Moines Families
Up to $500 per child on the Iowa return, but only on what the ESA did not pay. Worked examples for Polk County families.
Read →Oct 21, 2026Iowa's Half-Year ESA Is Open: What Des Moines Families Switching Schools Need to Do by November 15
A $4,074 spring-semester ESA, a November 15 deadline and a January 14 enrollment cutoff: the half-year option explained for central Iowa families.
Read →See what your family can use this year
Two minutes, five questions. A School Funding Advisor calls back with your ESA, grant and credit options and the dates that apply.