Florida Step Up for Students 2026-27: scholarships, eligibility, and how to apply

Every child deserves an education that reflects their strengths, interests, and pace. In Florida, Step Up for Students helps families access flexible, individualized learning, with scholarship options that cover private school tuition, specialized support, tutoring, and enrichment programs including Outschool classes. For the 2026-27 school year, the program is more open than ever, and applications are currently open.

What is Step Up for Students?

Step Up for Students is a Florida nonprofit that connects families with scholarship funding for more personalized education. Thanks to expanded state legislation, more Florida families than ever can access these scholarships, regardless of income level. Most scholarships now work as education savings accounts (ESAs), which means funds can go toward more than tuition: curriculum, tutoring, therapies, online classes, and approved materials.

Which scholarship is right for your family?

Step Up runs several programs, and the right one depends mostly on how your child learns. Here's the quick version before the details below:

• Private school family? Look at FTC and FES-EO (about $8,000 average award).
• Homeschooling or parent-directed? The Personalized Education Program (PEP) is built for you, and it's open to new students for 2026-27 (about $8,000 average).
• Child with a diagnosed disability? FES-UA offers the most flexible funding (around $10,000 average, often more depending on needs).
• Need targeted reading or math help? New Worlds Scholarship Accounts support VPK through fifth grade public school students.

What scholarships are available in 2026-27?

Private school scholarships (FTC and FES-EO)

Available to all Florida K-12 students eligible for public school, regardless of income. About $8,000 average award. Once tuition and fees are covered, remaining funds can go toward online learning, tutoring, and educational materials.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

For students ages 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) with one of the qualifying diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and speech or language impairments. Average award is around $10,000, and often higher depending on grade level, county, and level of services. Funds cover tuition, therapies, tutoring, curriculum, and approved educational tools.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

For families in parent-directed learning, with an average award of about $8,000. Available to K-12 Florida students in parent-directed learning; the student must be at least age 5 by September 1. For the 2026-27 school year, PEP is open to new students, with capacity expanded to 140,000 students. Funds can cover curriculum, tutors, online classes, and more.

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

For VPK through fifth grade public school students who need extra reading or math support. Funds can be used for tutoring, curriculum, and enrichment.

Hope Scholarship

For K-12 students who have experienced bullying, harassment, or other qualifying incidents at their public school. Applications are accepted year-round.

Transportation stipend

$750 for K-8 students attending an out-of-zone public school. One stipend per household.

Who is eligible?

FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. Families earning at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (around $93,000 for a family of four) may receive priority if demand exceeds funding. FES-UA is for students with a qualifying diagnosis; a formal diagnosis or IEP/504 Plan is typically required. New Worlds is for VPK through fifth grade public school students identified as needing reading or math support.

How to apply

Applications for 2026-27 are open now. Here's the process, step by step:

1. Create an account. Visit the Step Up for Students portal and register as a new user, or log in if you're returning. Each family needs a unique login.
2. Choose your scholarship. Review the programs (FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA, PEP) and pick the one that fits. Each lists its own eligibility and documentation requirements.
3. Gather your documents. Common items include proof of Florida residency, proof of income if applying for priority, a birth certificate or proof of age, and diagnosis or IEP documentation for FES-UA.
4. Complete and submit. Fill out the form carefully and double-check your uploads. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, so applying early helps.
5. Track your status. Watch your dashboard and email for approval or requests for more information.
6. Use your funds. Once approved, connect your funds to eligible providers, including private schools, online platforms like Outschool, therapists, tutors, and curriculum vendors.

Returning families should reapply each year to maintain priority status. If you get stuck, Step Up offers family support by phone, email, and live chat through the portal. For a fuller walkthrough of learning at home with these funds, see our guide to using Florida scholarship funds to homeschool.

How to use Step Up funds for Outschool classes

Florida families with FES-UA or PEP funds can use Outschool two ways:

• Self-paced classes through MyScholarShop. Outschool's self-paced classes are listed directly in MyScholarShop, so you can shop and pay with your ESA funds without reimbursement.
• Live classes through reimbursement. For live small-group classes or 1:1 tutoring, pay out of pocket and submit the receipt for reimbursement through your ESA platform.

Before you spend, it helps to know what's covered: our ESA approved expenses guide breaks down what funds can and can't pay for. Questions about using your funds? Email support@outschool.com. If your family qualifies through the reimbursement path, our Florida Step Up reimbursement guide walks through that process in detail. New to ESAs entirely? Start with what an Education Savings Account is.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much funding can my family receive?

Most scholarships provide about $8,000 per year. FES-UA students often receive around $10,000 or more, depending on their needs. Funds can go toward tuition, curriculum, therapy, tutoring, and approved services.

Is PEP open to new students for 2026-27?

Yes. After earlier capacity limits, PEP is open to new students for the 2026-27 school year, with capacity expanded to 140,000 students. Check the Step Up portal for current availability.

What are the income requirements?

FTC, FES-EO, and PEP are open to all income levels. Priority goes to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (around $93,000 for a family of four) if demand exceeds available funds. FES-UA has no income requirement.

Can scholarship funds be used for online learning?

Yes. Families can use funds for live online classes, tutoring, curriculum, and enrichment when the provider is approved. Outschool's self-paced classes are available through MyScholarShop, and live classes can be reimbursed.

When should families apply?

Applications for 2026-27 are open now on the Step Up website. Because funding is limited for some programs, applying early helps protect your priority status.

Build your learner's future with Step Up for Students

Step Up for Students gives Florida families the tools to build an education that fits their child, whether that means private school, therapies, or learning from home. With flexible funding and multiple scholarship options, you can personalize your child's path without the financial strain. Many families use their funds to enroll in live and flexible ESA-eligible classes through Outschool, where kids explore core subjects, creative interests, and social connection. Check your eligibility, apply, and start building the experience your child deserves.