Tuition Assistance

Des Moines Christian School is here to partner with parents through a variety of tuition assistance options. DMCS has two needs-based scholarship funds, along with other tuition assistance opportunities. All tuition assistance information submitted to DMCS is reviewed and awarded with confidentiality. Explore the opportunities below to discover what tuition assistance means for your family.

 Iowa 529 Accounts
As of January 1, 2018, Iowa 529 accounts can be used to fund K-12 tuition paid to an accredited State of Iowa School. Prior to this date, 529 accounts could be used only for college tuition expenses.

A 529 Plan is an after-tax investment account that grows tax free if distributions are used for qualified educational expenses. Des Moines Christian School is an accredited State of Iowa School and our tuition is a qualified 529 account expense. The State of Iowa guidelines state that the maximum 529 distribution per K-12 student is $10,000 per calendar year and payment can only be applied towards tuition.

If you participate in the Iowa 529 educational savings plan, please have qualified distributions made and sent directly to you and DMC will proceed with the school tuition payment plan you originally elected and outlined above.

If you need a tax advisor to assist your family in this decision, you may reach out to the school auditors, Schuring and Uitermarkt, at (515) 253-0099. Lance Dieleman is on our audit team and can connect you to a tax accountant in their Urbandale office.

 School Tuition Organization (STO)
  • The School Tuition Organization (STO) is a charitable group represented by accredited nonpublic schools. The STO receives voluntary contributions from Iowa taxpayers and allocates those funds in tuition grants to Iowa school children who attend one of the participating schools.
  • STO award eligibility is determined by the STO and is updated annually. Criteria is based upon your household size and income, as outlined below:
  • Print and complete the application, attach your federal tax return, and turn in to Student Billing within the DMCS Business Office. Please remember to sign both your application and tax return.
  • There is no application fee.
  • Awards are subject to fund availability.
  • The timeline for submitting applications is as follows: 
    DMCS begins accepting tuition assistance applications for the next school year on February 1.
  • Applications for the current school year can be accepted at any time throughout the school year, but awards are subject to fund availability.

Christian Scholar Grant (CSG)
  • The Christian Scholar Grant (CSG) program awards tuition assistance from money DMCS fundraises for scholarship purposes.
  • Households who don’t qualify for STO and whose DMCS tuition expense is approximately 13% or more of their gross income, as well as families with other special financial circumstances, should consider applying.
  • DMCS uses an outside agency, Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST), to handle the online application. Their customer service desk is available 24/7 to answer questions about completing the application (#877-326-3278).
  • Upon completion of the FAST application, you will need to submit copies of your tax documentation to FAST for verification.
  • There is a $45 application fee due at time of application submission.
  • Awards are subject to fund availability.
  • The timeline for submitting applications is as follows: 
    DMCS begins accepting tuition assistance applications for the next school year on February 1

    Applications for the current school year can be accepted at any time throughout the school year, but awards are subject to fund availability.
DMCS Dollars
  • Available to all families, gift certificates to local and national retailers and restaurants can be purchased from the school and a portion of the purchase is credited towards tuition.
  • Find more information about getting signed up for the program.
Transportation Credit
  • Families who live more than 2 miles from school with K-8 grade students, or more than 3 miles with 9-12 grade students, are potentially eligible to receive reimbursement for transportation expenses from their public school district.
  • Forms should be completed and mailed to your public school district twice a year. Forms must be postmarked no later than December 1st and May 1st.


Iowa Tuition & Textbook Credit
Families can claim a credit of up to $250 for tuition and textbook payments on their State of Iowa income tax return. Use your tuition statement as proof of payment (access Net Classroom or call Student Billing if you need a copy). Please ask your accountant for more information on your specific tax situation and eligibility.