ESA Timeline & Key Dates
When to apply, when funds arrive, and what to do when
Annual Calendar
| Date | What Happens | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| April | ESA applications open | Submit your application |
| May-June | Applications reviewed | Wait for approval (often same day) |
| June 30 | ESA application deadline | Ensure application is complete |
| July 15 | First disbursement (50%) | Approve tuition payment in Odyssey |
| August | School year begins | Your child starts school |
| December 1 | Second disbursement (50%) | Second tuition payment processes |
Step-by-Step Timeline
April: Applications Open
What happens: The Iowa Department of Education opens ESA applications for the following school year.
What you do:
- Go to educate.iowa.gov
- Navigate to Education Savings Accounts → Apply
- Complete the application with:
- Child's information
- Parent/guardian information
- Proof of Iowa residency
Tip: Apply early. Don't wait until the deadline.
May-June: Review Period
What happens: The state reviews your application and verifies eligibility.
What you do:
- Check your email for approval notification
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Most approvals happen within 30 minutes to a few hours
What to watch for:
- Approval email from Iowa DOE
- Odyssey account setup instructions
- Next steps for enrolling at your chosen school
June 30: Application Deadline
What happens: June 30 is the deadline for ESA applications to ensure funds are ready for the school year.
What you do:
- Confirm your application is complete and approved
- If not approved, contact Iowa DOE immediately
Why this date matters: ESA applications submitted after this date may not be processed in time for July disbursement.
July 15: First Disbursement
What happens: The state deposits 50% of your ESA funds (~$3,994) into your Odyssey account.
What you do:
- Log into Odyssey
- Find your school in the vendor list
- Approve the tuition payment
- Funds transfer from your ESA to the school (2-5 business days)
Important: Your school won't receive payment until YOU approve it in Odyssey. Don't forget this step.
August: School Starts
What happens: The school year begins. Your child is enrolled and attending.
What you do:
- Confirm payment was received by your school
- Keep Odyssey account active for December disbursement
December 1: Second Disbursement
What happens: The remaining 50% of your ESA funds (~$3,994) is deposited.
What you do:
- Approve the second tuition payment in Odyssey
- Process any remaining eligible expenses (if funds remain after tuition)
ISP-Specific Timeline
For families enrolling at Iowa Sports Prep:
| Date | ISP Action | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| February-May | ISP enrollment open | Apply to ISP |
| April | ESA applications open | Apply for ESA |
| May-June | ISP enrollment confirmed | Complete ISP onboarding |
| July 15 | ISP invoices first semester | Approve payment in Odyssey |
| August | School year begins | Your child starts ISP |
| December 1 | ISP invoices second semester | Approve second payment |
What If I Miss a Deadline?
| Scenario | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Apply after June 30 | You won't receive ESA for that school year | Apply early next year; plan to pay tuition out-of-pocket |
| Don't approve payment by July 15 | School doesn't receive funds | Log into Odyssey immediately and approve |
| ESA not approved in time | Must pay tuition out-of-pocket initially | Contact school about payment plan; submit reimbursement request once approved |
New Applicants vs Returning Families
First-Time ESA Users
- Must complete full application
- Most approvals happen within 30 minutes
- Apply as early as possible in April
Returning ESA Families
- Re-enrollment is usually faster
- Verify your information is current
- Confirm your school choice for the new year
Important Reminders
Don't assume funds will auto-pay. Even if you used ESA last year, you must approve each payment in Odyssey.
Keep your contact information current. Iowa DOE communicates via email. Make sure you receive their messages.
Bookmark Odyssey. You'll use it throughout the year: withodyssey.com