FES-UA Family Guide
How the Unique Abilities scholarship account works, common approved uses, and quarterly funding.
Eligibility
- • Florida resident student
- • Documented qualifying disability
- • Meets current Step Up application requirements
Programs
Step Up For Students & Educational Choice
Florida offers families several educational choice pathways. This guide explains them in parent-friendly language — with eligibility, documentation, and official links.
Family Empowerment Scholarship — Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
FES-UA
A scholarship for students with specific disabilities, offering funds for approved services, therapies, and educational expenses.
Eligibility
Student must have a qualifying disability and meet Florida residency requirements.
Typical Documentation
- Proof of Florida residency
- Documentation of qualifying disability
- Student records as required
Personalized Education Program (PEP)
PEP
A scholarship for students not in full-time public or private school, providing funds for customized education expenses.
Eligibility
Student must not be enrolled full-time in public school or a private school scholarship. Florida residency required.
Typical Documentation
- Proof of Florida residency
- Student identification
- Confirmation of non-enrollment status
Eligible Private School Scholarships
Private School
Scholarship pathways for students attending eligible private schools through Florida's choice programs.
Eligibility
Enrollment in an eligible private school participating in the scholarship program.
Typical Documentation
- Proof of residency
- Private school enrollment confirmation
- Household income documentation where applicable
District-Registered Home Education
Home Education
A parent-directed home education program registered with your local school district — not a scholarship.
Eligibility
Any Florida family may register. Parents direct the program and meet annual evaluation requirements.
Typical Documentation
- Written notice of intent to the district
- Portfolio of student work
- Annual evaluation
Florida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS FT)
FLVS Full Time
A full-time online public school option for Florida students, with a set curriculum and schedule.
Eligibility
Florida residency and grade-level enrollment requirements. Students attend full-time.
Typical Documentation
- Proof of Florida residency
- Proof of age/grade
- Enrollment application
At a Glance
Comparing the pathways
| Pathway | Type | Funds? | Parent-Directed? | Annual Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FES-UA | Scholarship | Yes | Flexible use of funds | Per program rules |
| PEP | Scholarship | Yes | Yes — customized | Required |
| Private School | Scholarship | Yes (tuition) | School-directed | Per school |
| District Home Ed | Registration | No | Yes — fully | Required annually |
| FLVS Full Time | Public online school | No (free) | School-directed | Built-in |
Using Your Award
How scholarship funds reach your student account
Each scholarship is handled through a student education account, but the approved uses and payment process depend on the program your family accepted.
| Scholarship | Educational account | How funds are distributed | Examples of approved uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| FES-UA | Education Savings Account | Quarterly deposits to the student's account | Approved tuition, curriculum, tutoring, specialized services, therapies, evaluations, testing, and other approved education expenses |
| PEP | Education Savings Account | Quarterly deposits to the student's account | Approved curriculum, tutoring, services, assessments, online learning, annual evaluations, and other approved education expenses |
| FTC / FES-EO private school | Scholarship account for an eligible private school student | Quarterly tuition and fee payments after school and parent approval | Eligible private-school tuition and fees; other uses depend on current program rules |
Approved expenses and payment methods can change. Always confirm an item, service, provider, or reimbursement process in the current Step Up handbook and purchasing guide before spending scholarship funds.
Parent Resource Guides
Download a guide for your scholarship
Save a simple reference for your family, then use the linked official handbook for the most current program rules.
PEP Family Guide
A parent-directed guide to using the Personalized Education Program scholarship account.
Eligibility
- • Florida resident student
- • Not enrolled full-time in public school
- • Not using a private-school scholarship while participating in PEP
Private School Scholarship Guide
What families should know when scholarship funds are directed to an eligible private school.
Eligibility
- • Florida resident student
- • Enrollment with an eligible participating private school
- • Meets current program requirements, including income rules where applicable
Before You Spend
Use your scholarship account with confidence
1. Confirm your program
Review the award and family handbook for the scholarship accepted for your student.
2. Check the account
Sign in to the Step Up family portal to review the student's scholarship account and current balance.
3. Verify before spending
Confirm the provider, service, or item is currently approved before submitting payment or reimbursement.
4. Follow the funding schedule
Scholarship accounts are funded quarterly; timing and approval requirements vary by program and enrollment.
Key Distinction
District home education vs. the PEP scholarship
District-Registered Home Education
- A registration you file with your school district.
- No scholarship funds — parents choose and fund curriculum.
- Parents direct the program and complete an annual evaluation.
Personalized Education Program (PEP)
- A Step Up For Students scholarship providing funds.
- For students not enrolled full-time in public or private school.
- Funds can be used for approved tutoring, assessments, and services.
What We Offer
Eligible services & support
Eligible tutoring sessions
Approved assessments
Choice Navigator guidance
Annual homeschool evaluations
Disclaimer
Family Pathway Learning Academy is an independent education business. Scholarship eligibility, provider approval, eligible expenses, and reimbursements are determined by Step Up For Students and applicable Florida requirements. We do not guarantee scholarship approval or reimbursement. We do not claim to be an approved Step Up provider until that status is confirmed.
Not sure which pathway fits your family?
Use our Parent Pathway Finder or book a consultation for personalized guidance.