Is the Iowa ESA the same as a school voucher in Des Moines?
Functionally, yes for tuition: the Students First ESA pays tuition and fees at an accredited nonpublic school, as a voucher would. Legally it is an education savings account, so the money sits in an Odyssey account in the child's name and any balance left after tuition can buy approved learning items.
How much can a Des Moines child receive?
$8,148 for the 2026-27 school year, the same for every grade and every county. A student approved in the half-year window receives $4,074 for the spring semester.
Which Des Moines-area schools accept it?
34 of the 39 private schools in Polk, Dallas, Warren and Madison counties in our data are on the state's accredited nonpublic list. All 13 Catholic schools are included, as are most Christian and independent schools; five small schools and preschools are not.
What is the next deadline?
November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. for the half-year ESA. Full-year applications for 2027-28 are expected in the spring, within the January 1 to June 30 span set by Iowa Code.
| Students First ESA | Classic voucher | STO tax-credit scholarship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays | State, through an Odyssey account | State, directly to the school | Donors, through a school tuition organization |
| Income test in Iowa | None since 2025-26 | Not an Iowa program | At or below 400% of poverty |
| Leftover money | Stays in the account for approved items | Usually none | Grant applied to tuition only |
| Homeschool use | No | No | No |
What should we do next?
Take the two-minute funding check. An advisor confirms which of these sources fit your child and sends the dates that apply.