Tuition
Choosing Christian education for your family is a faith-filled commitment that establishes a trusting partnership and ultimately has a profound impact on your child. We want every qualified, mission-aligned family to be given the opportunity to attend Pella Christian Schools and we have a variety scholarship, grant programs and savings opportunities available.
If you have questions or would like to discuss financials for your family, contact Teresa Ulferts, Director of Admissions, at admissions@pceagles.org or 621-628-2414.
| PRESCHOOL OFFERINGS | YEARLY TUITION | MONTHLY PAYMENTS (10) |
| 3s Preschool – 2 sessions per week | $1,800 | $180 |
| 3s Preschool – 3 sessions per week | $2,550 | $255 |
| 4s Preschool – Half Days | $3,250 | $325 |
| 4s Preschool – Full Days | $6,800 | $680 |
| 4/5s Spanish Immersion Preschool – Half Days | $3,250 | $325 |
| 4/5s Spanish Immersion Preschool – Full Days | $6,800 | $680 |
| 5s Preschool – Half Days | $4,500 | $450 |
| 5s Preschool – Full Days | $7,250 | $725 |
PRESCHOOL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Preschool financial assistance may be available to qualifying families through your county’s Early Childhood Iowa. Families must meet income guidelines to qualify. Assistance is determined by your county’s Early Childhood Iowa Program in August. Pella Christian does not determine scholarship amounts.
Income guidelines for preschool scholarships for 23/24 school year:
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD | INCOME LEVEL |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
| Add + $5,140 for each additional person |
JMP Early Childhood Iowa Preschool Scholarship Application – for residents of Jasper, Marion and Poweshiek counties. Please complete application and return to the PCGS office.
| NUMBER OF K-8 STUDENTS | YEARLY TUITION | MONTHLY PAYMENTS (10) |
| 1 Student | $8,200 | $820 |
| 2 Students | $15,500 | $1,550 |
| 3 Students | $21,700 | $2,170 |
| 4 Students | $26,500 | $2,650 |
| Student Lunch | $2.85 |
| Family Service Fee (K-8) Charged if 8 hours are not worked | $160 |
| Family Service Fee (9-12) Reimbursed if 8 hours are worked | $300 |
| School-Owned Instrument Rental | Varies per instrument |
| 9-12 Band and Choir Fee | $50 |
| Credit/Debit Card Processing Fee (paid to FACTS tuition billing service) | 2.95% |
Pella Christian Schools offers a busing service to locations within the Pella School District and many surrounding communities to provide parents a safe and convenient transportation option for their children to Pella Christian Early Education, Pella Christian Grade School, and Pella Christian High School.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Pella School District – Home Pickup
Knoxville – Auld Park
Leighton – Home Pickup
Monroe – Old Casey’s
Newton – Farm Credit Services
Oskaloosa – Oskaloosa Christian school
Otley – Home Pickup
Peoria – Home Pickup
Prairie City – Casey’s
Sully – Sully Christian Reformed Church
Tracy – Hwy 92 Pickup
Bus routes are limited to a maximum of one hour. Part time and full time rider options are available. The part time student rate is for students who ride just mornings or just afternoons. Preschool students (must be 4 years or older) may ride the bus with an older sibling attending PCGS as a part time rider.
All busing locations are determined by the Pella Christian Grade School Building and Grounds Committee. Please contact Chris Fynaardt, Pella Christian Transportation Director, at fynaardtc@pceagles.org if you have any questions.
| 1 Student | $500 |
| 2 Students | $750 |
| 3+ Students | $875 |
| 1 Student – Part Time Busing | $375 |
| 2 Students – Part Time Busing | $565 |
| 3+ Students – Part Time Busing | $660 |
K-12 Financial Assistance & Savings Opportunities
Pella Christian desires every qualified, mission-aligned family to be given the opportunity to attend Pella Christian Schools. Below are the opportunities available to ease the costs.
The Students First Act, introduced by Governor Reynolds and signed into law on January 24, 2023, makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa. ESAs provide funds for eligible families from the State of Iowa. Eligibility is spread over three years:
2023-24 School Year, $7,635 per student
-All kindergarten students
-All public school students who transfer to a private school
-All private school students with a household income at or below 300% of federal poverty level
2024-25 School Year, funding per student equal to the state student rate
-All kindergarten students
-All public school students who transfer to a private school
-All private school students with a household income at or below 400% of federal poverty level
-All students who have previously received an ESA (regardless of income)
2025-26 School Year, funding per student equal to the state student rate
-All K-12 students in Iowa (regardless of income, grade or transfer status)
The application process is in development now and details, including the application start date, will be provided soon. Applications will be due on June 30, 2023, for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are valid for one year; families must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.
Sign up for notifications of ESA details on the Iowa Department of Education website.
| Household Size | 300% of Federal Poverty Level | 400% of Federal Poverty Level |
| 2 | $59,160 | $78,880 |
| 3 | $74,580 | $99,440 |
| 4 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| 5 | $105,420 | $140,560 |
| 6 | $120,840 | $161,120 |
| 7 | $136,260 | $181,680 |
| 8 | $151,680 | $202,240 |
| Each Add’l Person | + $15,420 | + $20,560 |
Iowa 529 accounts can be used to fund K-12 tuition paid to an accredited State of Iowa school. A 529 Plan is an after-tax investment account that grows tax free if distributions are used for qualified educational expenses. Pella Christian Grade School and Pella Christian High School are accredited State of Iowa schools and our K-12 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 PCGS or PCHS.
Visit the Iowa 529 website here: www.collegesavingsiowa.com
Pella Christian K-12 students are eligible to apply for needs-based scholarships from the Heart of Iowa School Tuition Organization (Grade School) and the Legacy of Grace School Tuition Organization (High School). Eligibility is determined by the STO.
Families are eligible for assistance through this state-funded tax credit program if their income as shown on line 9 of their IRS Form 1040 for the 2022 tax year is not more than three times the poverty rate (based on the size of their family). Below is a chart that shows qualifying level for families.
| Household Size | 300% of Federal Poverty Level | 400% of Federal Poverty Level |
| 2 | $59,160 | $78,880 |
| 3 | $74,580 | $99,440 |
| 4 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| 5 | $105,420 | $140,560 |
| 6 | $120,840 | $161,120 |
| 7 | $136,260 | $181,680 |
| 8 | $151,680 | $202,240 |
| Each Add’l Person | + $15,420 | + $20,560 |
*STO qualifying levels are based upon 400% of 2023 Federal Poverty Levels as required by Iowa law.
**Family size includes parent(s)/guardian(s) plus total number of dependents claimed on 2022 tax return.
How do we apply?
Families apply by filling out the STO application form(s) below. This application is the same application as the Pella Christian Tuition Assistance Program and there is no cost to apply. Click on FACTS APPLICATION FOR STO AND TAP and then select the “Financial” tab on the left hand side.
The Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) is a program in which you purchase and use gift cards instead of cash or credit cards at places you normally shop, locally and nationally. The businesses involved gives a percentage of that purchase back to the school as a reduction in your tuition the following year.
This program is run by Pella Christian Grade School. Contact the PCGS office at trip@pceagles.org or 641-628-2414 for enrollment instructions.
Who can participate?
- A family with children currently enrolled at PCGS or PCHS
- A family who plans to have children at PCGS or PCHS someday
- A grandparent who wants to help their children reduce their tuition payment
- A supporter PCGS or PCHS who wants to help the General Tuition Fund to lower tuition for everyone
- Anyone may participate in the TRIP program.
How often do I have to use it?
As frequently or infrequently as you choose. Of course, the more you use it, the more beneficial it is to you or the school.
Families can claim a credit of up to $500 for tuition and textbook payments on their State of Iowa income tax return. Use your tuition statement as proof of payment. Please ask your accountant for more information on your specific tax situation and eligibility.
What is this?
Families who are in need of additional assistance to pay their tuition obligation are eligible to apply for assistance through this fund. Application for these funds takes place in April with the awards being made during the summer. However, families are welcome to apply for financial support at anytime throughout the year as we are aware of circumstances that can arise at anytime that might create a financial need.
How do we apply?
Application for tuition assistance is made through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Go to FACTS APPLICATION FOR STO AND TAP to fill out the application and attach all the supporting documentation needed. There is no fee to apply. Priority deadline is April 30, 2023. For questions about or assistance with this form, please contact the school office.
What is the amount of the scholarship?
The finance committee reviews the application and financial information and makes the determination of the award. Families are welcome to visit with a finance committee member to discuss their unique financial situation.