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 2023-24 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 students receive tuition assistance. DMC plans to distribute more than $1,000,000 in tuition assistance in the 23-24 school year. 

Tuition Assistance

     Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)

    On January 24, 2023, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Students First Act into law. This law creates Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) for eligible K-12 students attending an accredited non-public school. Des Moines Christian is accredited and these funds are for our students.

    The three-year rollout began in the 23-24 school year and provided $7,598 for each qualifying student. In the first year this includes all incoming kindergarten students, new students transferring to DMC from public schools and current students whose household income is at or below 300% of poverty. By the third year, all DMC students will qualify. We encourage all DMC families to visit The Iowa Department of Education's Educational Savings Account webpage for the most up-to-date information.

     Household Size

     Under 300% = Year 1 ESA Eligible
    2 $59,160
    3 $74,580
    4 $90,000
    5 $105,420
    6 $120,840
    7  $136,260
    8 $151,680
     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 Earnings in a 529 plan grow tax-free and are not taxed when they're withdrawn.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 2023, participants can deduct up to $3,785 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 $954,000 was distributed in the 22-23 school year. DMC begins accepting tuition assistance applications for the next school year in November.  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 is approximately 12% or more of their gross income.

    2. Household size and income as established by the State of Iowa and facilitated through the Heart of Iowa School Tuition Assistance Organization (STO). 

     Household Size

     Max Income for 22-23 School Year
    2022 Federal 1040 Tax Return Line 9
    2 $78,880
    3 $99,440
    4 $120,000
    5 $140,560
    6 $161,120
    7  $181,680
    8 $202,240
    Each Additional Person +$20,560

    3. Families with other special financial circumstances.   

     

     

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

    MaryBeth Meyer, DMC Parent