Tuition Assistance and ESAs

Choosing a Christian education for your family is a faith-filled commitment, that establishes a trusting partnership, and ultimately has a profound impact on your child.  The 2025-26 Tuition and Fee Schedule positions DMC to deliver our mission, invest in exceptional student experiences, and focus on strategic priorities for the future.   

Many families who desire to send their children to Des Moines Christian School also have questions about financial assistance. DMC recognizes that Christian education is an investment for your family. We want to make this education accessible, and give every qualified, mission-appropriate student the opportunity to attend DMC.  

Each year 1 in 5 DMC K-12 students receive tuition assistance. DMC distributed more than 844,000 in tuition assistance distributed in the 23-24 school year

Tuition Assistance

     Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)

    The Students First Act established Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) which may be used toward DMC K-12 tuition and fees. The amount allocated for the 24-25 school year was $7,826 per student. 

    Parents must apply each school year for an ESA. These accounts are applied for, funded by, and administered through the State of Iowa Department of Education. We encourage all DMC families to visit the Iowa Department of Education Educational Savings Account website for the most up-to-date information.

     Iowa 529 Plan 

    A College Savings Iowa 529 Plan is a type of investment account families can use to save for qualified education expenses, including K-12 tuition at DMC. Earnings in a 529 plan grow tax-free and are not taxed when they're withdrawn. In 2024, participants can deduct up to $5,500 of their contributions, per beneficiary, per parent to determine adjusted gross income for Iowa income tax purposes.
     Iowa Tuition & Textbook Credit
    Families can claim a credit of up to $500 for tuition and textbook payments on their State of Iowa income tax return. Consult your accountant and the Iowa Department of Revenue for more information on your specific tax situation and eligibility. 
     DMC Dollars
    Gift certificates to local and national retailers and restaurants can be purchased through the nationwide program RaiseRight and a portion of the purchase is credited towards tuition or a student lunch account. The average rebate is $170 per participating family. Learn more and sign up for the program.   
     Transportation Credit
    Families may be eligible to receive reimbursement for transportation expenses from their public school district. For the 22-23 school year, the District reimbursement paid directly to parents averaged $652 per eligible student.  Eligibility and filing instruction are unique to each public school district.   
     Needs-Based Tuition Assistance

    One in five DMC students receive tuition assistance, and more than $624,000 has been distributed in the 2024-25 school year. DMC begins accepting tuition assistance applications for the next school year in February.  Priority submission deadline for applications is April 1. Links to the application are available in Lion Campus for  enrolled families. 

    Families who meet one or more of the following criteria are encouraged to apply.

    1.  Households whose DMC tuition expense after discounts and ESAs is approximately 10% or more of their gross income.

    2. Household size and income limits are defined in the chart below.  They are based on 400% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines, updated annually, and are facilitated through the Heart of Iowa School Tuition Assistance Organization (STO).

     Household Size

     Total Income Limit
    2023 Iowa Tax Return (Taxable Income)
    2 $81,760
    3 $103,280
    4 $124,800
    5 $146,320
    6 $167,840
    7  $189,360
    8 $210,880
    Each Additional Person +$21,520

    3. Families with other special financial circumstances.   

     

     

    "Financial assistance allowed us to be a part of this amazing school family."

    MaryBeth Meyer, DMC Parent