Comprehensive Guide to Florida School Choice: Funding Options for Every Family

Your child doesn't have to return to traditional school next year! Did you know South Florida is globally recognized as a hub for School Choice, offering diverse educational pathways to match your child's passions? Whether your child loves robotics, arts, science, or action sports, you can now access funding that supports personalized education, from private schools and homeschooling to innovative microschools and hybrid models like Surf Skate Science. Here's your comprehensive guide to making informed educational choices:

1. Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship

What it is: Are you seeking a traditional school experience, but prefer a local private school or a public/magnet school outside your district? The FTC Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible families, covering private school tuition or transportation to public schools outside your assigned area.

Eligibility:

• Based on household income.

• Priority is given to renewal families and those with lower income.

Funding (Approx.):

• Average annual scholarship: ~$7,700

What it covers:

• Private school tuition & fees

• Transportation costs to eligible public schools

How to Apply:

• Visit Step Up for Students FTC

2. Personalized Education Program (PEP)

What it is: Are you interested in customizing your child’s educational journey through homeschooling, microschooling, or hybrid learning? The PEP Scholarship offers flexible funds, allowing you to create an educational environment tailored specifically to your child's needs and interests.

Eligibility:

• Florida residents not enrolled full-time in public or private schools

👉 Military families who have Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to Florida may also apply, even if they haven’t moved yet.

Funding (2024–2025 School Year):Miami-Dade County: ~$7,407 per studentBroward County: ~$7,665 per studentPalm Beach County: ~$7,407 per student

👉 Award amounts vary by county and grade level. Full award charts are available on the Step Up for Students website. Funds are distributed quarterly (Aug, Nov, Feb, Apr).

What it covers:

• Educational materials, curriculum, and supplies

• Tutoring and approved educational services

• Microschool or hybrid programs like Surf Skate Science

• Enrichment programs, extracurriculars, and field trips (even educational visits to places like Epcot!)

• Standalone public school classes (e.g., a science lab at a local public high school) — as long as the student is not dually enrolled

• Clubs, learning apps, electives, and one-on-one instruction

How it works:

• Apply via Step Up for Students by April 30

• Once awarded, accept the scholarship and complete a Student Learning Plan in your EMMA account

• Funds appear in your account quarterly, which you can use in the Step Up Marketplace or submit for reimbursement

• If you’re currently registered in a district’s homeschool program, you’ll need to withdraw after accepting the scholarship to avoid funding conflicts

Addressing Misconceptions:

Some families fear that accepting state funding will place additional restrictions on homeschooling freedoms. In reality, the requirements focus primarily on accountability and transparency to ensure funding is used for approved educational purposes.

Families must:

• Maintain a record of expenses and educational activities

• Submit documentation periodically to demonstrate compliance

• You are not required to report standardized test scores, and the scholarship does not mandate curriculum type or instructional style. Families maintain full autonomy over their child’s education.

These requirements help guarantee quality education and proper use of funds while maintaining significant flexibility in curriculum choices and instructional methods.

Funding (2024-2025 School Year):

• Miami-Dade County: ~$7,407 per student

• Broward County: ~$7,665 per student

• Palm Beach County: ~$7,407 per student

What it covers:

• Educational materials, curriculum, and supplies

• Tutoring and approved educational services

• Microschool or hybrid programs like Surf Skate Science

What can’t you buy?

• Technology devices (e.g., laptops or tablets) are not currently reimbursable through PEP

• Full-time private school tuition is not covered

How to Apply: Apply online at Step Up for Students

🛑 Don’t miss the deadline: April 30! Even if you’re still deciding, apply now — you can decline the funds later if you change your mind.

3. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

What it is: Does your child have specific learning or developmental needs? The FES-UA Scholarship provides customized educational funding to ensure your child receives the specialized services and instructional support necessary to succeed.

Eligibility:

• Students with documented disabilities (IEP or formal diagnosis)

Funding (2024-2025 School Year):

• Miami-Dade County:

  • Grades K-3: ~$10,523

  • Grades 4-8: ~$9,880

  • Grades 9-12: ~$9,761

  • Higher needs (Matrix 254): ~$22,522

  • Highest needs (Matrix 255): ~$35,027

• Broward County:

  • Grades K-3: ~$10,435

  • Grades 4-8: ~$9,790

  • Grades 9-12: ~$9,670

  • Higher needs (Matrix 254): ~$22,411

  • Highest needs (Matrix 255): ~$34,916

• Palm Beach County:

  • Grades K-3: ~$10,754

  • Grades 4-8: ~$10,100

  • Grades 9-12: ~$9,978

  • Higher needs (Matrix 254): ~$23,008

  • Highest needs (Matrix 255): ~$35,741

What it covers:

• Private school tuition and specialized instruction

• Therapy services (e.g., speech, occupational therapy)

• Approved educational programs like Surf Skate Science, providing engaging STEAM experiences tailored to your child’s unique abilities

Addressing Misconceptions: Families may worry about extensive oversight or loss of control over their child's education. However, this scholarship is designed to support parental choice and individualized education plans. Requirements primarily involve documentation of expenses and services, ensuring accountability without imposing restrictive educational mandates.

How to Apply:

• Visit Step Up for Students FES-UA

  
  

Florida School Choice: Why Choose Surf Skate Science?

Surf Skate Science offers an exciting educational alternative by blending action sports, STEAM subjects, and hands-on learning experiences. Supported by FTC, PEP, and FES-UA scholarships, Surf Skate Science enables your child to explore passions at local skateparks, beaches, and interactive labs, developing the creative and critical-thinking skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world.

💡 Bonus: Surf Skate Science is a registered provider for Step Up’s PEP and FES-UA programs. You can use your funds to enroll in our classes, field labs, and microschool days across South Florida.

Empower your child’s dreams and redefine education for a brighter, innovative future with Surf Skate Science!

Watch this informative Video Podcast from Modulo