Private school tuition can feel out of reach for many Orlando-area families, but Florida's school choice scholarship landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and thousands of students across the state are now attending private schools with significant financial assistance. Florida has become a national leader in educational choice, offering multiple scholarship programs designed to match every family's situation. If you've been wondering how Florida school choice scholarships work, whether your family qualifies, and how to navigate the application process, this guide is for you.
Florida's School Choice Scholarship Programs: An Overview
Florida currently administers several K-12 scholarship programs, all managed through the Florida Department of Education. The two primary scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) that process applications and distribute funds are Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation. Most private school scholarships flow through one or both of these organizations.
The major programs available to Florida K-12 families include:
- Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
- Personalized Education Program (PEP)
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and FES-EO: The Most Widely Used Programs
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) are the most broadly available programs in the state. They share a single application and are administered by the same SFOs. (Florida Department of Education, School Choice Programs)
Who Qualifies?
One of the biggest misconceptions about private school scholarships in Florida is that they're only for low-income families. That is no longer the case. As of the 2023-2024 school year, income eligibility restrictions for the FTC and FES-EO programs were eliminated. Any Florida resident who is eligible to enroll in public K-12 school may apply. (Florida Department of Education FES-EO FAQs)
Priority for funding is awarded in the following order:
- Students whose household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or students in foster or out-of-home care
- Students whose household income is between 185% and 400% of the FPL
- All other eligible Florida resident students
Because awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, applying early is essential — even for families in the third priority tier.
How Much Can Families Receive?
Scholarship amounts vary based on grade level and county of residence. In the 2023-24 school year, the average FES-EO award was approximately $7,950, with a maximum of up to $8,000 depending on the student's grade and Orange County allocation. (Flagler Schools School Choice Resource Page)
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year opened February 1, 2026. Renewal applicants receive processing priority, so families who are already receiving scholarship funds should reapply as soon as the window opens each year. New applicants are served on a first-completed, first-awarded basis once the priority deadline passes. (AAA Scholarship Foundation Parent Information)
FES-UA: Support for Students with Unique Abilities
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is designed for children with documented disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other qualifying conditions. This program was expanded in 2021 to incorporate the former Gardiner Scholarship Program and the McKay Scholarship Program, both of which were repealed as stand-alone programs. (Florida Department of Education, Gardiner Scholarship Archive)
Key FES-UA Details
- Eligibility: Florida residents ages 3–22 with a qualifying disability diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist, or who have an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Award amount: Averages approximately $10,000 per student for the 2025-2026 school year, varying by grade, county, and the student's disability matrix score (Youngsters Occupational Therapy, FES-UA Program Overview)
- Uses: Tuition and fees, therapies, assistive technology, educational materials, and more
- Administered by: Step Up For Students (for FES-UA applications)
If your child has a qualifying diagnosis, this is one of the most flexible and generous scholarship programs available in Florida.
What Happened to the Hope Scholarship?
Many parents searching for private school scholarships in Orlando will still come across references to the Hope Scholarship, which was designed for students who experienced bullying, harassment, or other documented incidents of violence in a public school setting. It's important to know that as of July 1, 2024, the Hope Scholarship was merged into the FTC and FES-EO programs. (Step Up For Students Legislative Updates)
Students who previously received a Hope Scholarship are automatically eligible for FTC or FES-EO, and students who experience a qualifying incident at a public school going forward will be directed to apply for the FTC or FES-EO programs rather than a separate Hope Scholarship. The broader eligibility criteria of these programs actually benefits families who previously relied on Hope.
Step Up For Students: The Organization Behind the Scholarships
When families talk about "Step Up For Students Orlando" or private school scholarships in the Orlando area, they are typically referring to Step Up For Students, the largest SFO in Florida. Step Up administers the FTC, FES-EO, and FES-UA programs and provides families with a single online portal to manage their scholarship accounts, approve tuition payments, and access educational resources.
Step Up For Students is not itself a scholarship; it is the nonprofit organization that manages the process on behalf of the state. Families apply through Step Up's platform at stepupforstudents.org, select an approved private school, and funds are distributed directly to the school on a quarterly basis.
The Crenshaw Academy is an approved Step Up For Students scholarship school, accepting FES-EO, FES-UA, and FTC scholarship funds. It's worth noting that the state sometimes designates a scholarship as FTC rather than FES-EO without a clear explanation to the family. If that happens to you, your award is still accepted here just the same.
Families whose scholarships are distributed through AAA Scholarship Foundation are also welcome. AAA is a lesser-known vendor than Step Up, but it is a fully valid option, and The Crenshaw Academy accepts funds distributed through both organizations. If your child has been awarded a scholarship through either Step Up or AAA, reach out to our admissions team to discuss enrollment. If you haven't applied yet, now is the time to start!
To learn more about our educational programs and how The Crenshaw Academy fits your child's needs, we encourage you to explore what makes our K-12 experience unique.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down makes it very manageable.
- Determine your scholarship type. If your child has no disability, apply for FTC/FES-EO. If your child has a qualifying disability, apply for FES-UA through Step Up.
- Create an account with an SFO. Visit stepupforstudents.org or aaascholarships.org to begin your application. Both organizations use the same application for FTC and FES-EO, and The Crenshaw Academy accepts scholarship funds distributed through either organization.
- Submit supporting documents. This typically includes proof of Florida residency, proof of income (for priority determination), and the student's birth certificate.
- Receive your award determination. Applications are processed in priority order. Once approved, you'll receive an award letter specifying the scholarship amount.
- Choose your approved private school. Confirm with the school that they accept your scholarship type, then submit your enrollment documentation.
- Approve quarterly payments. You must log in to your SFO portal each quarter to approve tuition disbursements to the school.
A helpful note: awards are not guaranteed until all documents are received and verified. Starting your application as early as possible significantly improves your chances of receiving funding for the upcoming school year.
Common Myths About Florida School Choice Scholarships
There's a lot of outdated information circulating about private school scholarships in Florida. Here are the most common myths, corrected:
- Myth: Only low-income families qualify. Not true. Since 2023-24, any Florida-resident K-12 student is eligible to apply for FES-EO. Lower-income families receive priority funding, but all families can apply.
- Myth: The Gardiner Scholarship still exists as a separate program. The Gardiner Scholarship was repealed in 2021. Students with disabilities now apply through the FES-UA program, which offers expanded benefits.
- Myth: You have to be enrolled in public school to apply. New applicants do not need to currently be in a public school. Students already attending private schools may also apply for scholarship programs.
- Myth: The scholarship will cover all tuition costs. Awards vary by grade level and county, and do not always cover 100% of private school tuition. Families should review award amounts relative to each school's tuition schedule before enrolling.
- Myth: You can only apply once per year. Renewal applicants can re-apply each year and receive processing priority, making it easier to maintain scholarship status through graduation.
How These Scholarships Apply to K-12 Private Schools in Orlando
Orange County families have access to the full range of Florida's scholarship programs. The FES-EO award amount is calculated based on both the student's grade level and the student's county of residence, meaning Orlando-area families in Orange County can use the Florida Department of Education's award value charts to estimate their specific award.
Private schools participating in scholarship programs must meet certain state approval requirements. The Crenshaw Academy meets those requirements and is approved to accept Step Up For Students scholarship funds. If you are exploring admissions and wondering whether your scholarship can be applied to your child's enrollment, the answer is yes — and our team is here to walk you through what that looks like financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Crenshaw Academy accept Step Up For Students scholarships?
Yes. The Crenshaw Academy is an approved Step Up For Students scholarship school and accepts FES-EO, FES-UA, and FTC scholarship funds. If the state designates your award as FTC rather than FES-EO, it is still accepted. This sometimes happens without a clear reason given to families, but it does not affect your ability to use the funds here. The Crenshaw Academy also accepts scholarships distributed through AAA Scholarship Foundation, a lesser-used but fully valid vendor. Please contact us to discuss your specific scholarship and enrollment options.
Is there an income limit to qualify for Florida private school scholarships?
As of the 2023-2024 school year, income limits for the FTC and FES-EO programs were eliminated. Any Florida resident eligible for public K-12 school may apply. Priority for limited funding goes first to lower-income households and students in foster care. (Florida Department of Education)
When should I apply for a Florida school choice scholarship?
As early as possible. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis once priority deadlines have passed. For the 2026-2027 school year, the application window opened February 1, 2026. Renewal applicants receive priority and should reapply at the start of each application period.
What is the difference between Step Up For Students and FES-EO?
Step Up For Students is the nonprofit scholarship funding organization that administers several state scholarship programs, including FES-EO. FES-EO is the name of the scholarship itself. Think of Step Up as the organization you apply through and FES-EO as the program you are applying for.
Can my child receive a scholarship if they are currently homeschooled or in private school?
Students currently in private school or being homeschooled may be eligible to apply. Eligibility is based on Florida residency and qualification for public K-12 enrollment, not current school placement. Contact one of the approved SFOs to confirm eligibility for your specific situation.
What happens if my scholarship doesn't cover the full cost of tuition?
Many families use a combination of scholarship funds and direct payment to cover tuition. The Crenshaw Academy's admissions team can work with families to review tuition costs alongside scholarship award amounts. Visit our tuition and fees page or reach out directly for a personalized conversation.
Making Private School in Orlando a Reality
At The Crenshaw Academy, we believe that every bright, curious student deserves access to a high-quality, personalized education. Our accredited K-12 program offers small class sizes, rigorous academics, and a warm community that supports every learner. We are proud to participate in the Step Up For Students scholarship program so that more Orlando families can make that experience possible.
If you have questions about scholarship acceptance, the application process, or enrollment at The Crenshaw Academy, we'd love to hear from you. Contact our team today to start the conversation.
