Q. What’s the enrollment window for the upcoming school year for foster or out-of-home-care students?
A: For new students, the application season opened on February 1. Renewal students should have renewed by April 30 to ensure they experience no lapse in funding.

Q: Is priority funding for these students still in place?
A: Yes. While Florida has expanded scholarship eligibility to all students (universal choice), priority is still legally mandated for specific groups. Foster or out-of-home care students receive priority funding.

Q: Do I need to submit documented proof of my student’s foster or out-of-home-care status?
A: Yes. To provide proof of foster status or out-of-home care status, you must upload a copy of placement documentation, care placement, or other similar legal documentation under the Additional Documents section of the application in EMA.

Q: Does the upcoming expansion of the PEP option affect my foster child or out-of-home-care student?
A: Yes. The Personalized Education Program (PEP), which acts like an Education Savings Account (ESA) for homeschoolers, is growing. For the 2026-27 school year and beyond, the student cap is being removed altogether. Overall, this is a great option for foster parents who want to customize a child’s education with a mix of tutors, specialized classes, and online curriculum rather than a traditional private school. And foster or out-of-home-care students may apply at any time during the school year:

Q: Is my foster or out-of-home-care student exempt from application deadlines?
A: Yes. If your student in foster or out-of-home care qualifies for a scholarship but the application season has ended, you can open your own application outside of the standard window. There is no need to call Step Up to have one started. Just go to EMA and begin your application.