Iowa ESA Guide for Homeschool Families

Program Overview

Program: Students First Act (ESA Program)

Iowa passed the Students First Act in 2023, creating a phased-in universal ESA program. By the 2025-26 school year, the program is open to all Iowa students regardless of income. Here is what homeschool families in Iowa need to know.

• Universal eligibility for all Iowa K-12 students (phased in, fully universal by 2025-26)
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Student must be enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school or approved homeschool program
• Homeschool families using competent private instruction (CPI) with reporting may be eligible

Here is what you can use Iowa ESA or scholarship funds for:

• Private school tuition
• Textbooks and curriculum materials
• Online educational programs
• Tutoring services
• Educational technology and software
• Testing and assessment fees
• Fees for extracurricular academic programs

1. Apply through the Iowa Department of Education or designated administrator
2. Complete the online ESA application with student and family information
3. Provide proof of Iowa residency
4. Indicate your education setting (nonpublic school or approved homeschool)
5. Funds are disbursed to an education savings account for approved expenses

Key Dates: Applications typically open in the spring before the school year. Check the Iowa Department of Education website for current deadlines and application windows.

Iowa homeschool families using the ESA are subject to assessment requirements. Students may need to take standardized tests or provide portfolio-based evaluations depending on their homeschool designation.

• Iowa distinguishes between different homeschool categories (CPI with or without reporting). Your ESA eligibility may depend on your classification
• The program phased in over three years. As of 2025-26, it is fully universal with no income restrictions
• Work with your local homeschool association to understand how the ESA interacts with Iowa's homeschool notification requirements
• Use ESA funds for quality curriculum and supplement with free AI tools for personalized instruction