Does the Iowa ESA pay for textbooks and class materials at a Des Moines private school?
Yes. Textbooks, curriculum fees, software and course-specific materials are eligible. School-billed items are automatically eligible; the same items bought from a vendor may need a class schedule, syllabus or school letter as verification.
What are the rules for textbooks, curriculum and course materials?
- Textbooks (book or software) and curriculum fees.
- Other course materials such as chemistry goggles, a camera for photography class, a sewing machine for home economics or PE equipment.
- Musical instruments and sensory items, with verification when a vendor bills them.
- Verification can be a class schedule, a syllabus or written confirmation from the school.
What is not allowed in this area?
- Art supplies, writing utensils and general office supplies
- Folders, binders and other personal organization items
- Clothing, including uniforms
What does this mean for a Des Moines-area family?
Many metro schools bill book and course fees directly; those go through Odyssey with tuition, before any Marketplace purchase.
| It is | It isn't |
|---|---|
| Paid from money left after tuition and fees | Paid before tuition |
| Bought through the Odyssey Marketplace or billed by the school | Reimbursed when bought at another store |
| Checked against the state's expense list | A guarantee that every item will be approved |
Sources: Iowa Department of Education, "Iowa's Students First Act ESA Program: Eligible and Ineligible Expenses" (educate.iowa.gov/media/8595, updated May 25, 2023 and still linked from the ESA program page in October 2026); Iowa Code section 257.11B(1)(b); Iowa Administrative Code 281-20.1(6); Odyssey Iowa help center. This is a summary, not legal advice; Odyssey and the Department decide individual purchases, and a parent may appeal a decision to the State Board of Education within 30 days.