ESA deadline nears

The Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools Office is reminding Catholic school parents of the June 30 deadline for applying for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) funding.

According to educate.iowa.gov, funds held in ESAs are “to be used for tuition, fees and other eligible qualified education expenses.”

The Catholic Schools Office pointed out that students can qualify for $8,148 for the upcoming academic year if awarded ESA funds and encourage parents to apply soon.

“The ESA program is a game-changer for our Catholic school families, but it only works if you apply by June 30. Apply today and secure your funds before the window closes for this school year,” said Stacia Thompson, coordinator of enrollment and outreach.

The link to apply is: https://iowa-households.withodyssey.com/login/

The ESA bill was first introduced in the House in 2012, according to Iowa ACE. It made it out of committee for the first time in 2019. The Students First Act passed in 2023, providing ESAs for the 2023-24 academic year.

In a Lumen Media article earlier this year, Thomspon pointed out there was a 2% increase in Catholic school enrollment from the 2024-25 academic year and 2025-26.

Nearly 84% of diocesan Catholic school families received an ESA for the 2025-26 academic year.

There are 14 Catholic school systems in the Diocese of Sioux City. To learn more, go to ​www.sccatholicschools.org.

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