Discover the Difference: Supporting the Future of Catholic Education
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | November 19, 2024
Supporting Catholic schools is essential to our mission of fostering faith-filled communities rooted in Christ. Yet, the cost of providing this education is not just substantial; it's urgent. The Diocese is undertaking an ambitious new vision to secure a vibrant future for our schools. This vision includes raising administrator, faculty, and staff compensation to competitive levels aligned with state initiatives, ensuring our schools attract and retain top educators. We are also investing in enhanced facilities and cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving academic needs of every student.
The traditional model of relying on tuition and local parish contributions alone can no longer sustain the investment required for a thriving Catholic school system. Your support helps pass on cherished faith values, nurtures future leaders dedicated to our community, and ensures a high-quality, faith-centered education for children. Your support is vital and transformative. It makes these changes possible and ensures the future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Des Moines.
Resources to Help Families Afford Catholic Education
In February 2023, Iowa enacted the Students First Act, a landmark legislation that made state funding available to eligible K-12 students attending accredited nonpublic schools through an Education Savings Account (ESA). This legislation also provides additional funding to public schools for students who live in the district but attend nonpublic schools. ESAs empower families to choose the educational path they believe is best for their children by providing funds to support eligible educational expenditures such as tuition, tutors and technology.
While ESAs offer significant support to Iowa families, they do not fully address the financial challenges Catholic schools face in meeting the actual cost of education. For the 2024-2025 school year, the cost to educate a student in the Diocese of Des Moines exceeds the $7,826 provided by the state's ESA program, with rising educational expenses anticipated to outpace ESA contributions further. Moreover, diocesan schools can only receive ESA funds equal to the tuition charged. In 2024, the average tuition for K-8 schools was approximately $4,000 per student. The remaining gap required to sustain our schools is covered through parish subsidies, private donations, and tuition assistance programs such as the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO).
The CTO is a charitable organization funded by voluntary contributions from Iowa taxpayers, who receive a state tax credit for their generosity. CTO funds are allocated as tuition assistance to eligible families attending accredited nonpublic schools. In the 2023-2024 school year, 36 percent of Diocese of Des Moines students received tuition assistance through the CTO. Since 2006, the CTO has provided over $45 million in tuition assistance to 26,716 students, thanks to the dedication of donors who believe in supporting Catholic education.
Additionally, the Diocese launched the Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) endowment through the generosity of Ignite! Capital Campaign donors. The DTA works in partnership with the CTO to further meet families' tuition assistance needs. This school year alone, the DTA supported 304 students across the Diocese, and it will continue to help many more in the years ahead, ensuring that all families can access a faith-filled, high-quality education.
The Impact of Tuition Assistance
For the Feeney family, tuition assistance is more than financial support—it's a lifeline to new opportunities, faith-based learning, and a solid foundation that will serve their children well into adulthood. Thanks to the Catholic Tuition Organization, parish-based scholarships, and now Education Savings Accounts, Evelyn (second grade), Ava (first grade), and Oliver (preschool) are able to attend Christ the King School. They're among nearly 140 students—50% of the student body at Christ the King—who benefit from tuition assistance, making Catholic education accessible to more families.
Without this support, sending their children to Christ the King would have placed a significant financial burden on the Feeneys. Tuition assistance allows them to look toward the future with optimism, knowing their children are part of a nurturing community that aligns with their family's values. The peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are in an environment that prioritizes faith and academic excellence brings them a profound sense of gratitude.
"With three kids, tuition assistance was going to be necessary one way or another," Jason Feeney shared. "CTO and ESAs are the only things that make a Catholic education possible for our three children."
Since its inception in 2006, the CTO has provided more than $45 million in tuition assistance to 26,716 students, made possible through the generosity of donors who receive a state tax credit for their contributions. By the 2025-2026 school year, ESAs will be available to all families choosing accredited nonpublic education, expanding access to many more of the nearly 7,000 students attending the 16 Diocese of Des Moines Catholic schools.
How You Can Help Ensure Viable Catholic Schools
Your support is essential to keeping Catholic education accessible, vibrant, and impactful across our Diocese. By making a tax-deductible gift, you can open the doors of opportunity for families who seek a Catholic education but may need financial assistance. Every contribution helps families like the Feeneys and strengthens our entire Catholic community. Join us in nurturing the faith and future of students across the Diocese of Des Moines. To learn how you can make a difference, contact the Development Office at 515-237-5001. For more information about Education Savings Accounts, visit ESAsForIowa.org.