With changes happening in the school system all the time, it can be hard to stay up to date. Have you heard of the Students First Act in Iowa? Maybe you have heard it discussed, or you understand the basics but not the details, like how it affects you and your children. If so, you are in the right place.
What Is the Students First Act?
The Students First Act was signed into law on January 24, 2023. It provides state education funding for kindergarten through 12th grade students who choose to attend private schools. It also provides funding for public schools when students who live within their district choose to attend private schools instead.
How Does the Students First Act Work?
Each year, parents of children attending accredited private schools receive an amount of money equal to what is allocated to a single student in public school districts. The amount varies from year to year, and the estimated per-student amount for the 2023-2024 school year was approximately $7,598.
This money goes into each student’s individual education savings account (ESA). The state continues depositing funds each year until the student graduates, completes high school, or turns 20 years old. Any remaining balance returns to the general state fund.
Does Your Child Qualify for the Students First Act?
The program began in the 2023-2024 school year, and Iowa rolled it out gradually. Here is the eligibility breakdown for the first few school years.
2023-2024 School Year
All kindergarten students, all public school students, and private school students with a household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level qualified, according to 2023 federal poverty guidelines.
2024-2025 School Year
The same groups qualified, except the income limit for private school students rose to 400% of the federal poverty level, according to 2024 federal poverty guidelines.
2025-2026 School Year
All kindergarten through 12th grade students in Iowa qualified, at all income levels.
What Can the Funds Be Used For?
Families can use these funds for “tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses.” Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, textbooks, curriculum fees, software like Microsoft Office, laptops, instruments, standardized test fees, cognitive skills training, and vocational and life skills education. Educational therapy services also qualify, such as tutoring, speech therapy, reading instruction, executive functioning support, and auditory processing support.
On the other hand, ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, clothing, backpacks, printers, art supplies, office supplies, childcare, cleaning supplies, and transportation costs.
How Do You Use the Funds?
Schools bill many eligible expenses directly, and the state automatically considers those items and services eligible. As a result, families do not need extra permission before buying them through the school. Beyond school-billed expenses, families can also use funds through a registered, authorized vendor outside of school.
Before you buy, double-check that the vendor is authorized and confirm whether the item or service is automatically eligible. If it is not, families need additional verification first. For details, refer to the state’s official list of eligible expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Students First Act funds for speech therapy or tutoring?
Yes. Educational therapy services, including speech therapy, tutoring, reading instruction, and executive functioning support, are listed as eligible expenses. The services offered by ETLC qualify for funding under the Students First Act and the education savings accounts qualifying students receive.
Does my child qualify for an ESA this year?
Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, all kindergarten through 12th grade students in Iowa qualify at all income levels. Check with the state or your school for current deadlines and amounts, because they can change.
How do I know whether a provider is authorized?
Ask the provider directly, and confirm with the state’s authorized vendor information before you pay. If an item is not automatically eligible, you will need extra verification first.
How ETLC Can Help
At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, our mission is to give hope and support to families by helping children of all ages achieve their God-given potential. We provide an individualized approach to improve each child’s ability to communicate, socialize, and grow academically. We are a bridge to success. Our locations are in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about our services at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
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About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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