Iowa Voucher Program
Tuition Voucher Program
Iowa Voucher Program (ESA Voucher)
The Students First Act is a bill that was signed into law in 2023, which makes state education funding available for K-12 students who choose to attend private schools. It also provides public schools with additional categorical funding for students who live in their district but attend private schools, and allows public school districts to use unspent money from some categorical funds to supplement teacher salaries.
Education Savings Accounts are available to parents who enroll their eligible children in an accredited private school. ESA funding is equal to the per-pupil funds allocated by the state to all public school districts each year (approximately $8,000 per student).
More information is available on the Iowa Department of Education website at https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/education-savings-accounts
Deadline to Apply:
For the 2026-27 school year, the ESA application opens April 16, 2026, and closes on June 30, 2026, at midnight.
I am a new resident in Iowa, can we qualify?
Iowa residency must be established by the ESA application deadline of June 30 in order to be eligible for an ESA in the coming school year.
Information on documents required to establish residency can be found HERE.
Is there an income requirement?
No. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, there is no income requirement for ESA voucher eligibility.
Does the voucher cover the full tuition costs?
The ESA voucher covers the full Kindergarten tuition at Maharishi School. The ESA voucher does not cover the full tuition for Grades 1-12. If you wish to receive Maharishi School financial aid to help cover the remaining balance, you must submit a financial aid application.
Any families who would like consideration for financial aid are encouraged to submit a Financial Aid application. Many of our families do qualify for substantial assistance.
Does the preschool qualify for the Iowa ESA Voucher?
ESA funding is available for Kindergarten through Grade 12 tuition. ESA funding cannot be used for preschool tuition.
Preschool (Toddler – PreKindergarten) students may be eligible for grants through two organizations: the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Early Childhood Iowa (ECI). ECI grants are available for 3-5-year-old students valued at up to $1,800 per year. Grants and scholarships for students qualifying for HHS are valued at $2,400-$5,800 per year. Maharishi School financial aid is not available for Toddler-PreKindergarten families.
The Iowa Health and Human Services Department offers childcare tuition funding programs for those who meet the income eligibility requirements. For more information, contact your local county office or visit here for more information.
Do I have to apply each academic year?
Yes, the state requires that you submit an ESA application each year in order to receive funding. Yes, to qualify for Maharishi School financial aid, every parent will be asked to also apply for the ESA/voucher.
How many children can qualify for the voucher in my household?
All students in grade KG-12 are eligible. You will submit one ESA application per family and include all students in your household on the application. ESA funding is awarded for each student.