Up to $8,148 per student, per year — and it may cover nearly 100% of tuition at Maharishi School for your family.
- $8,148 Per student per year
- K–12 All grade levels eligible
- 100% Income-blind eligibility
- Jun 30th is the 2026–27 deadline
School Choice & Tuition
Something significant has changed in Iowa education — and many families still don’t know about it. Iowa’s Students First Education Savings Account program now provides every Iowa K–12 family with up to $8,148 per child per year to attend the accredited private school of their choice. No income limits. No lottery. No complicated hoops. If your child is an Iowa resident and you choose to enroll them in an accredited private school, the funds are yours to use.
For families who have always wondered whether a Maharishi School education was within reach — the answer, for many, is now yes. The ESA can cover a significant portion — or in some cases nearly all — of tuition costs, particularly for younger students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. And when combined with additional scholarships and financial aid that Maharishi School offers, the opportunity becomes even more accessible.
“Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, all Iowa resident K–12 students are eligible regardless of income.”
Iowa Department of Education — Students First ESA Program
What Is the Iowa ESA Program?
The Students First Education Savings Account program was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in January 2023 and has been expanding ever since. As of the 2025–26 school year it reached full, universal eligibility — meaning any Iowa resident student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 can apply, regardless of their family’s income level or which school they currently attend.
Funds are deposited into a state-administered savings account managed through Odyssey, a secure platform that handles transactions between families and schools. Parents pay tuition directly through the app, making the process straightforward and transparent.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility Requirements
Simple criteria — most Iowa families qualify.
🏠 Iowa Residency
Your child must be an Iowa resident. Residency is verified through your 2025 Iowa State Tax Return during the application process.
🎓 Grade Level
Any student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 is eligible. Students must be at least 5 years old by September 15 of the school year.
🏫 Accredited Private School
Students must be enrolled in an Iowa-accredited nonpublic school. Maharishi School is fully accredited and accepts ESA funds.
💰 No Income Limit
As of the 2025–26 school year, there is no income eligibility requirement. All Iowa families qualify regardless of household income.
What Can ESA Funds Be Used For?
ESA funds are flexible and can be applied toward a wide range of approved educational expenses beyond just tuition.
How to Apply
The application process is designed to be quick — most families who file Iowa state taxes receive a response within 30 minutes of submitting their application. Here’s how it works:
Apply through the Iowa Department of Education
Visit educate.iowa.gov and complete the Students First ESA application through the Odyssey portal. Only one application per household is needed, even for multiple children. Applications for 2026–27 close June 30, 2026.
Contact Maharishi School Admissions
Enrollment at your chosen private school is a separate process from the ESA application. Reach out to our admissions team as soon as possible to begin your enrollment for fall 2026 — spots fill quickly.
Funds are deposited & managed through Odyssey
Once approved, your ESA funds are held securely and you pay tuition directly through the Odyssey app. Remaining balances stay available until your child graduates or turns 20.
Explore additional scholarships
Maharishi School offers additional financial aid and scholarships for qualifying families. Our admissions team will walk you through every option available to make sure tuition is never a barrier.
Maharishi School & the Iowa ESA
An Exceptional Education — More Accessible Than You Think
Maharishi School is a fully accredited, A+-rated college preparatory school serving students from Preschool through Grade 12 in Fairfield, Iowa. We proudly accept the Iowa Students First ESA, and for many families, it makes an extraordinary education genuinely within reach.
For students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 in particular, the ESA amount of $8,148 can cover close to — or in some cases all of — annual tuition. For families with multiple children, the savings multiply. And for those who need additional support, Maharishi School offers scholarships and financial assistance on top of what the ESA provides.
~100% Tuition coverage possible for K–5 students with the ESA
+Aid Additional scholarships & financial aid available for qualifying families
30+ Countries represented in our student community of 160
Founded in 1974, Maharishi School operates under the nonprofit status of Maharishi International University and has built a 50-year track record of academic excellence, developing students who think deeply and go on to lead and contribute at the highest levels. Our Consciousness-Based Education approach nurtures not just academic achievement, but the full potential of every child.
If you’ve ever felt that something different was possible for your child’s education — and wondered whether you could afford it — now is the time to find out.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our admissions team is here to help you navigate the ESA application, explore your financial aid options, and find out whether Maharishi School is the right fit for your family. There’s no obligation — just a conversation.
📍 Maharishi School · Fairfield, Iowa · maharishischool.org
📞 Call or email our admissions office — we’d love to hear from you.
Published by Maharishi School · Fairfield, Iowa · maharishischool.org
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