ESA in Iowa

Iowa has an ESA program, but it doesn't cover homeschool families.

Q: Does Iowa have an ESA program for homeschool families?

Iowa has an ESA program (Students First ESA), but it currently covers only students enrolled at an accredited private school. Homeschool families are not eligible at this time. To participate, a student must be enrolled full-time at an accredited private school in Iowa.

Q: How do homeschool families in Iowa pay for curriculum?

Most homeschool families in Iowa fund curriculum through personal budgets. Iowa does not currently offer tax credits or deductions for homeschool curriculum expenses. Wizkoo is $50/month or $499/year for your whole family, no ESA required.

Iowa's Students First ESA is available to students enrolled at accredited private schools. Homeschool families are not currently eligible for ESA funds in Iowa.

As of April 2026

What Iowa offers

Students First ESA — private school enrollment required

Homeschool families are not eligible

Iowa's Students First ESA requires enrollment at an accredited private school. If you homeschool in Iowa, ESA funds are not available for curriculum purchases at this time. This restriction applies to all homeschool families regardless of income or prior school enrollment.

Program Name

Students First ESA

ESA Amount

$7,988/year per student (2025-26, private school enrollment only)

Marketplace Platform

Odyssey. The ESA covers private school tuition first; remaining funds are accessible via the Odyssey Marketplace for approved educational expenses.

Eligibility

Universal as of 2025-26 — but requires enrollment at an accredited private school. Homeschool families cannot participate.

Application

2026-27 opens April 16, 2026; closes June 30, 2026. educate.iowa.gov

Participating Students

41,044 (October 2025 certified enrollment)

Program Launched

2023

Wizkoo works without ESA

You don't need an ESA to use Wizkoo.

Most homeschool families fund their curriculum through personal budgets, and Wizkoo is built to be worth it either way.

$50/month or $499/year. Every child in your family, one price. No per-child pricing. No vendor approval needed. No waiting.

Your first plan is free, no credit card required.

If Iowa expands ESA eligibility to include homeschool families, we'll update this page immediately.

FAQ

Does Iowa have an ESA program for homeschool families?

How do homeschool families in Iowa pay for curriculum?

Build My Family's Week

No credit card for first plan.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. ESA program details, eligibility, and funding amounts change frequently. Always verify current information directly with your state's education department before making financial decisions. Last verified: April 2026.