Our goal is to provide a Catholic education to all families who desire it for their children. Education Savings Accounts and grants through the STO are making Catholic education more accessible than ever for Iowa families.
Education Savings Accounts may be used by families for K-12 tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses. In 2025-2026 all families will be eligible, regardless of income. You must apply by the deadline every summer to receive the funding. The deadline is usually June 30.
If you are eligible for tuition assistance through the STO program you will need to apply for that separately. This is important as STO funding is applied first to your tuition, potentially leaving extra in your child's ESA for future use.
For 2024-2025, 29% of Bosco students received funding through the STO. Please apply if you might be eligible. Donors have given this money for you to use!
The deadline for applying and submitting your 2024 federal tax returns is May 5, 2025.The Our Faith School Tuition Organization is a charitable organization representing Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The STO receives donations from generous Iowa taxpayers and allocates those funds as K-12 tuition assistance grants to middle- and lower-income families.
The application window opens in January each year and closes in April or May. Apply online through FACTS Management (completed tax return from the previous year needed). For assistance completing the application, contact Tom Hogan, School Operations Manager. In some years a second round opens with a summer deadline.
Potential 2024-2025
STO Income Qualifying Levels
# in Household 400% of Poverty Rate
2 $81,760
3 $103,280
4 $124,800
5 $146,000
6 $167,840
7 $189,360
8 $210,800
Follow the steps below to apply for STO assistance for the 2025-2026 school year.
Step 1: Apply Now. Complete one FACTS application per family.
Step 2: Upload 2024 Federal Tax Return. Include your entire federal tax return and all schedules. If you are not required to complete 2024 federal taxes, upload nontaxable income documentation.
Step 3: Application Fee. Pay $40.00 fee per family before submitting the FACTS application.
Step 4: Seek Assistance. For questions about the application: Call FACTS Helpline at 866-315-9262. Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM - 7 PM and Friday 7:30 AM - 5 PM. For help with uploading documents or other assistance completing the application, contact your school office. For more information about the application process and eligibility requirements visit the STO website.
Step 5: Receive Notification. Qualifying families will receive notification of STO awards by July 14th.
Step 6: Local Tuition Assistance. If you need additional tuition assistance beyond STO or miss the May 5th priority deadline, you should still complete the STO application and reach out to Tom Hogan about any additional local tuition assistance options.