How to Apply for the Iowa Students First ESA

Applications for the 2026–27 school year open on April 16, 2026. When the application is available, you can access it here: Apply for the Iowa Students First ESA.

Before You Apply

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before starting your application. See Who Is Eligible for the Iowa Students First ESA? for details.

Applying for an ESA through the Odyssey portal is a separate process from enrolling your child at a nonpublic school. School enrollment is strictly between your family and the school.

Applications for the 2026–27 school year open on April 16, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. You can save and exit your application at any time before submitting.

Application Steps

Step 1 — Create or log in to your account Use the same email and password from last year if applicable.

Step 2 — Parent or guardian information You will be asked for your legal name, email address, phone number, preferred language, and current residential address. If your 2025 Iowa State Tax Return lists a different address, check the box and enter that address.

Step 3 — Add students Enter each student's legal name, date of birth, and address. You can add multiple students under the same application.

Step 4 — Confirm eligibility Enter your ID type and identification number, and your spouse's if applicable. This is used to verify Iowa residency with the Iowa Department of Revenue. If you did not file a 2025 Iowa State Tax Return, check the box provided.

Step 5 — Consent and approvals Review and acknowledge the guardianship checks, site release, and communication consent.

Step 6 — Acknowledge and sign Read each statement, check the boxes to confirm your understanding, sign, and submit.

After You Submit

Once submitted, most applications are processed automatically within seconds. Your student's status will appear next to their name in the Odyssey portal.

If you have questions, please contact Odyssey Support.