The Iowa Department of Education announced that just over 18,000 Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) have been approved so far, with less than 1,000 applications remaining in review. Locally, that includes 297 in Marion County, 197 in Warren County, 188 in Mahaska County, 144 in Jasper County, and 55 in Poweshiek. Polk County has the most at 3,144. In addition to applying and being approved for an ESA, families must separately apply to the accredited private school of their choice and, if accepted, their ESA account will be funded. Additional information regarding the final number of approved applicants will be available after September 30. Details about ESA program participants will be available when certified school enrollment numbers are finalized later this fall.