Tuition Aid Data Services (TADS) conducts financial need assessments for families that need assistance in paying tuition. TADS follows up directly with families, making sure that all necessary information is obtained to assist in determining financial assistance for those who truly need aid.

The link to begin this process is found here. ACA will begin accepting TADS for the 2024-2025 school year in February. There is an application fee of $60. Developmental kindergarten, preschool, and part-time students do not qualify for scholarships. ESA funding will be considered prior to additional financial assistance being offered.

Contact ACA’s Financial Director (diane.scott@acaeagles.net) for assistance in completing this process.

Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP):

The Tuition Reduction Incentive Program is available to ALL school families regardless of income. Families earn tuition Credit when they purchase gift certificates/debit cards to be used at local and national vendors. The vendors that participate in this program are ones from whom many people normally buy various products and services. If you are already spending the money, it will benefit you financially.

Ankeny Christian Academy purchases the gift certificates/debit cards at a discount. Your family will receive the tuition credit when you purchase the certificates from the school (not when you spend the certificates). The gift certificates and percentage of tuition credit varies by retailer, anywhere from 2%-25%. On the order form beside each vendor name you will find a percentage. This is the total percentage that the vendor will give directly to the school. Then ACA keeps 30% of the savings to cover the cost of the program and your family will receive 70% of the savings as a tuition/lunch credit.

Below is an example of how the program works:

Purchase and receive Fareway debit cards $100 – Fareway credit percentage 3%
— Total rebate $3.00 (70% goes to the family $2.10, 30% goes to the school $.90)

Annual family savings if $100 of Fareway TRIP used every week: $109.20

If you live more than two miles from school with elementary students (K-8), or more than three miles with high school students (9-12), the public school district in which you reside currently reimburses part of your transportation expenses. Requests for reimbursement must be completed by the family and returned to your resident public school district (not ACA) by December 1 and May 1. Please check your public school districts' website for how to submit for this reimbursement.

Iowa Tuition and Textbook Credit:

You can claim a credit of up to $250 for tuition and textbook payments on your State of Iowa income tax return. Use your tuition statement as proof of payment. (See Iowa Dept. of Revenue website for specific information.)