STO, ESA & Tuition Assistance

FACTS Student Tuition Organization (STO)

Complete your yearly tuition application at: online.factsmgt.com/aid
Review the application for the yearly due date and requirements. You must apply to FACTS STO in order to be considered for our Local Scholarship Tuition Assistance. Deadline for application and submitting 2025 federal tax returns is May 1, 2026.

STO Application is Open for 2026-2027 Tuition Assistance

Step 1: Apply Now
Complete one FACTS application per family at online.factsmgt.com/aid.

Step 2: Consent to have FACTS retrieve your 2025 tax return or upload a completed 2025 federal tax return
Families must consent to have FACTS retrieve their 2025 tax return and all appropriate documentation, or upload a completed 2025 federal tax return and all related documents.

Step 3: Application Fee
The application fee of $40.00 has been waived and St. Cecilia School will be paying for this application fee.

Step 4: Seek Assistance
For questions about the application: Call FACTS Helpline at 866-315-9262 Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. For help with uploading documents or other assistance completing the application: Contact the school office at 515-232-5290. For more information about the application process and eligibility requirements: Go to Our Faith STO FAQs for Parents.

Step 5: Receive Notification
Qualifying families will receive notification of STO awards by July.

Step 6: Local Tuition Assistance
If you need additional tuition assistance beyond STO or miss the May 1st priority deadline, you should still complete the STO application and reach out to your school about any additional local tuition assistance options.

The application deadline for Round 1 consideration is May 1, 2026. If the May 1st deadline is missed, the deadline for Round 2 consideration is August 10, 2026.

Education Savings Account (ESA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is eligible for an ESA?
     A. ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:

Q. How do I apply for an ESA?
     A.  The Students First ESA Application is available in English and Spanish. The application window for the 2026-2027 school year funs from 8:00 AM on April 16, 2026 through 11:59 PM June 30, 2026. Applications are valid for one year; a family must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.

Q. Is there a place to get more information on ESAs?
     A. Please go to the Iowa Department of Education website: Students First Education Savings Accounts. At the bottom of the webpage there is a place to sign up for email notifications. This is highly recommended.

**For additional questions, please contact: Darcy  Spellman at [email protected] or call 515-232-5290.

Please click the link below for more information regarding Education Savings Accounts.

Understanding Education Savings Accounts

Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) Application
Application Help: [email protected] or 515-368-9564

The Students First ESA Application is available in English and Spanish. The application window for the 2026-2027 school year funs from 8:00 AM on April 16, 2026 through 11:59 PM June 30, 2026.

Local Tuition Assistance

You will receive a tuition contract showing either your ESA/FACTS STO assistance. If this amount doesn’t meet your financial needs for the school year, you may apply for our Local Tuition Assistance.  Please complete the application below and return it to the school office.  All information is confidential.

St Cecilia Local Tuition Assistance Form

If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 515-232-5290.