These days, when I consult with parents, there's a question that always comes up: "I heard that if I send my child to a private school, the state gives over $8,000. Can I apply now?"

To answer right away, there is still a path open. However, you need to know the conditions precisely to avoid wasting your time.

This is about the Students First ESA (Education Savings Account) operated by the Iowa Department of Education. The amount for the 2026-27 school year is announced to be $8,148 per student.

This money does not go directly into your bank account. The state government deposits it into an education account in the student's name, and families pay tuition through a portal operated by a contractor called Odyssey.

The income criteria have been completely removed starting from the 2025-26 school year. This means that your annual salary does not affect your eligibility to apply.

Instead, there is one key condition. You must be actually enrolled and attending an accredited nonpublic school in Iowa.

Homeschooling does not qualify. Even if you homeschooled last year, you can apply if you register full-time at an accredited private school this year.

So, what is possible at this point? The full-year application was from April 16 to June 30 and has already closed.

Existing approved families had to pay their fall semester tuition through the portal by September 30. Missing this deadline means losing eligibility, which is very strict.

What you should focus on now is the half-year ESA. The application period is from October 15 to November 15, so there are still over ten days left.

The half-year amount is $4,074, exactly half of the full-year amount. For families looking to switch to private school starting in the spring semester, this is the only opportunity.

The spring semester funds will be available in the account starting December 1. The remaining half for existing full-year families will also be released on that day.

The next deadline is January 14, 2027, at 11:59 PM, which is the confirmation deadline for spring semester tuition payments. If half-year families miss this date, they will lose eligibility, so make sure to mark it on your calendar.

Let's do some calculations from the perspective of families in Iowa City. Regina, the representative Catholic school in this area, has reported that for the 2025-26 school year, K-12 tuition is set at a single amount of $10,300 according to The Gazette.

According to the same article, they are preparing a new tuition structure for the 2026-27 school year, and I have not been able to confirm this year's exact amount through official sources. It's best to ask the school admissions office directly for the accurate figures.

Even looking at last year's amount gives us a picture. The ESA covers a significant portion of the tuition, and the remaining amount is the family's responsibility.

Many people overlook an important point here. ESA funds must be used first for tuition and fees.

If the ESA amount exceeds the tuition, any leftover funds can be used for eligible educational expenses defined in the portal marketplace. Be sure to check the Iowa Department of Education's Eligible and Ineligible Expenses document for what qualifies.

If there is a remaining balance and the student is still an ESA participant next year, it can continue to be used. The Iowa Department of Education has indicated that the balance remains in the account even if the student transfers from private to public school.

However, it is noted in the council's materials that any remaining funds will revert to the state general fund once the student graduates high school or turns 20. This means that simply saving the funds is not the solution.

Another point is that applications must be renewed every year. There is no automatic renewal process once approved.

If the school does not appear on the Odyssey list, it may be a newly accredited school. In this case, the quickest way is to directly check the accreditation status with the school.

Of course, there are opposing voices. Concerns about public school budgets being drained continue to arise, and there have been proposals in the legislature to abolish this program.

Therefore, if you are a family making long-term plans, I recommend keeping an eye on legislative developments each year. Policies can change.

My position, having worked in education for a long time, is clear. I believe it is right that families do not have to give up on the school that is right for their child due to financial concerns.

When money follows the child, schools feel the pressure. Whether public or private, they will work harder to be chosen by parents.

So, if you are considering a transition for the spring semester, don't hesitate. Schedule a school admission consultation before November 15 and submit your half-year application. If I were a parent, I would do it within this week.

Approved families should not miss the January 14 confirmation for spring tuition payment. That's all you need to remember, really.

For detailed conditions, please check the Iowa Department of Education ESA page and the Odyssey support center, and if you have any questions, ask the school office directly. Opportunities come to those who are prepared.