Iowa ESA Guide
How to use your Education Savings Account for ISP
What Is an ESA?
Iowa's Education Savings Account (ESA) gives families money to spend on private education. For 2025-26, that's $7,988 per student.
As of 2025, every Iowa family qualifies — no income limits.
The short version: The state gives you ~$8K to spend on your child's education. You can use it for ISP tuition.
Does ESA Cover ISP?
Yes. ISP tuition is $7,988 — exactly the ESA amount.
For most families, ISP is 100% covered by the ESA. No out-of-pocket tuition cost.
How It Works
Step 1: Apply for ESA
Applications open in April for the following school year.
Go to: educateiowa.gov → Education Savings Accounts → Apply
You'll need:
- Child's information
- Parent/guardian information
- Proof of Iowa residency
Step 2: Get Approved
The state reviews your application. Most approvals happen within a few weeks.
Once approved, your ESA funds are held in the Odyssey platform — the app/website where you manage your ESA money.
Step 3: Enroll at ISP
Apply to Iowa Sports Prep. Once accepted, we'll appear as an option in your Odyssey account.
Step 4: Pay Tuition via Odyssey
In Odyssey:
- Select Iowa Sports Prep as your school
- Approve the tuition payment
- Funds transfer from your ESA to ISP
You don't write a check. The money flows directly from the ESA to the school.
When Do Funds Arrive?
ESA funds are released in two installments:
| Date | Amount |
|---|---|
| July 15 | 50% (~$3,994) |
| December 1 | 50% (~$3,994) |
ISP tuition is billed in two corresponding installments.
What Can ESA Pay For?
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| ✅ Tuition & school fees | ❌ Athletic training |
| ✅ Textbooks & curriculum | ❌ Club/travel team fees |
| ✅ Educational software | ❌ Sports equipment |
| ✅ Tutoring (licensed providers only) | ❌ Uniforms & clothing |
| ✅ Standardized tests (ACT, SAT, AP) | ❌ Food & meals |
| ✅ Educational therapy | ❌ Transportation |
Important: Tuition must be paid first before any other expenses. If your tuition equals or exceeds your ESA (like with ISP), your ESA is fully allocated to tuition.
What About Athletic Training?
ESA does not cover athletic training, club fees, or sports-related costs.
Those are separate, out-of-pocket expenses for your family — just like they would be at any school.
The good news: Because ISP academics are 2 hours/day, your child has more time for training. And because tuition is covered by ESA, you're not paying twice.
Odyssey: The ESA Platform
All ESA funds flow through Odyssey — a third-party platform that manages the program.
What you do in Odyssey:
- See your ESA balance
- Approve payments to schools
- Track spending
- Add vendors for other eligible expenses
Tip: Bookmark Odyssey and check it monthly. Make sure payments are processing correctly.
Common Questions
Q: Do I have to be low-income to qualify?
A: No. As of 2025, all Iowa families qualify regardless of income.
Q: Can I use ESA and still homeschool?
A: If you're enrolled in ISP, your child is a private school student (not a homeschooler). You get the structure of a school with the flexibility of home.
Q: What if we leave ISP mid-year?
A: Unused ESA funds stay in your account. You can apply them to another eligible school or expense. Refund policies vary — contact us for details.
Q: Do ESA funds roll over?
A: Yes. Unused funds can roll over year to year, up to certain limits.
Q: Can I use ESA for multiple kids?
A: Yes. Each child gets their own ESA allocation.
Key Dates
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| April | ESA applications open |
| May-June | Applications reviewed and approved |
| July 15 | First ESA disbursement (50%) |
| August | School year begins |
| December 1 | Second ESA disbursement (50%) |
Need Help?
Setting up an ESA can feel complicated. We're here to help.
- Email: hello@iowasportsprep.com
- Phone: [Coming soon]
- In the parent Facebook group: Post your question — other parents have been through it
We'll walk you through every step.