The Iowa Department of Education says that the Students First Education Savings Account, or ESA program, has officially opened for applications for the 2024-25 school year.
Parents and guardians can access the online application from a link on the Department of Education’s ESA webpage. The link will redirect them to the Students First ESA platform managed by Odyssey, the third party program administrator.
New applicants will be required to first create an Odyssey account before starting the application process. Returning applicants will log in to their existing account to complete a new application for the 2024-25 school year.
Applications will be accepted until June 30th at 11:59pm.
The Students First Act makes the state funding intended for a child’s education available to be directed by parents and guardians of eligible students who attend accredited nonpublic schools. Eligible students must be residents of Iowa and must attend an accredited nonpublic school that is located in Iowa.
