Mark your calendars! We will plan to host an ESA sign up night on May 31, 2023 for returning families to help walk you through the process of enrolling in the ESA program. Look for more details soon.
Education Savings Account Details
Effective for the 2023-24 school year, per pupil funding will be $7,598 per student, and ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:
Year 1: School Year 2023-24
-All kindergarten students (regardless of income)
-All public school students who choose to transfer to a private school (regardless of income)
-Private school students with a household income at or below 300% federal poverty level (see table below)
Year 2: School Year 2024-25
-All kindergarten students (regardless of income)
-All public school students who choose to transfer to a private school (regardless of income)
-Private school students with a household income at or below 400% federal poverty level (see table below)
-All students who have previously received an ESA
Year 3: School Year 2025-26
-All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income or previous school.
New Details:
The State of Iowa has contracted with Odyssey to execute ESAs. Odyssey currently handles the Arizona ESAs.
The household income limit for ESAs is based on your Iowa net income. This can be found on line 26 of your 2022 Iowa 1040.
The ESA application will open (tentatively) May 31 and must be submitted by June 30. There is NO flexibility on this deadline as this deadline is with the state not NCS.
Families must apply every year.
Newton Christian will notify families when the application is open.
The ESA application should take no more than 10-15 minutes.
Parents will receive one of the following statuses immediately after applying: “approved”, “denied” or “more information is requested”.
Disbursements for approved applications will begin in July and a second disbursement will occur prior to the second semester.
Financial Aid Details:
The NCS financial aid process utilizes Legacy of Grace for our student tuition assistance organization (referred to as STO).
Families must have a household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty level (see table below) or show additional reasons for need.
Your income can be found on line 9 of your 2022 Federal 1040.
There is no cost to apply.
Applications were due April 30, 2023 (see below if you missed it).
Families can apply through this link: LOG application
If you missed this deadline because you are new to NCS or for other extenuating circumstances please contact Ryan DeZwarte, School Board Finance director.
Another option for financial assistance is the Board Tuition assistance application. Please reach out to Ryan DeZwarte about this application as well.
Financial Aid & ESA - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My income is under 300% of the federal poverty level. Can I apply for both ESA money and Financial Aid?
A. Yes, families who are under 300% of the federal poverty level can apply for both ESA funds and financial aid.
Q. I don't qualify for ESAs yet, but my household income is under 400%. Should I apply for financial assistance if I have applied and not received much in the past?
A. Families who fall under 400% of the federal poverty level should apply. In years past, much emphasis has been on assisting families who need the most help. With the introduction of ESAs, funds will be spread out more to higher-earning families who fall under the 400% income limit.
Q. Can I apply for an ESA or financial aid for a preschooler?
A. ESAs and the above financial aid option are only available for K-12 students. Preschool assistance for families living in Jasper, Marion and Poweshiek counties may be available for families who qualify. Click here for the JMP Early Childhood Iowa Preschool Scholarship Application.
Q. Where can I find out more details about ESAs?
A. Newton Christian will continue to share important details and deadlines with families, but you can learn more about ESAs through the Iowa Department of Education website.
