Do you have questions about the Private School, Unique Abilities, or Personalized Education Program scholarships and their important dates for the upcoming school year? Below, we’ve put together all the important dates and deadlines for your students so you can successfully navigate the school year:

What are the application windows for the 2026–27 school year?

Renewal families for all three scholarships can apply from February 1 to April 30. New families can apply starting February 1, with deadlines varying by program:

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Remember: Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, a renewal student is one who was funded for Quarter 4 for the same scholarship they are applying to.

Who counts as a renewal student?

A renewal student is one who received Quarter 4 funding for the same scholarship last year and did not have the scholarship revoked. Missing any renewal deadline causes the student to lose renewal status and be treated as new.

Are there exceptions to the application deadlines?

Yes. Some Private School Scholarship and PEP students may apply until April 15, 2027, with all follow‑up requirements due by May 15, 2027. Funding is not guaranteed.

When do families need to accept or decline their scholarship?

Remember: Accepting the scholarship shows intent to use it but does not guarantee funding.

When must students withdraw from public school to be considered for Quarter 1 funding?

Students must be withdrawn from public school by July 31, 2026.

What is the current funding distribution schedule?

FUNDING DISTRIBUTION

Can families switch scholarship programs?

Yes, twice per year:

What are the EMA enrollment deadlines for Private School Scholarship students?

A completed EMA enrollment (school submission + parent approval) must be done by:

Remember: A completed enrollment includes school submission and parent/guardian approval.

Do prior PEP students have extra requirements?

Yes. Prior PEP students applying for Private School or UA must submit their norm‑referenced end‑of‑year assessment results by May 31, 2026.

Do UA and PEP students need EMA enrollment?

No. Enrollment is not required for UA or PEP students.

What does PEP require for funding consideration?

• A 2026–27 Student Learning Plan (SLP) submitted by May 31, 2026
• Renewal students must submit prior year assessments by May 31, 2026

When does Step Up receive quarterly funds from the FLDOE?

• Quarter 1: Aug 1 (renewal) or Sept 1 (new/late renewals)
• Quarter 2: Nov 1
• Quarter 3: Feb 1
• Quarter 4: Apr 1

How long does it take for student accounts to be funded?

Up to two weeks after Step Up receives funds from the FLDOE.

What account balance must students have to receive additional funding?

By each quarter’s deadline, balances must be:

• Private School:
  • Q1: ≤ amount listed in schedule
  • Q2: ≤ $24,000
• UA: ≤ $50,000
• PEP: ≤ $24,000

Remember: Failure to meet this requirement…may result in scholarship funds being returned.

What is the Public School Attestation?
Families must confirm each quarter that their student is not enrolled full‑time in public school. Deadlines align with quarterly funding dates.

When can families spend scholarship funds?
Families may spend funds for the 2026–27 year between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

What are the reimbursement deadlines?
Reimbursement requests must be submitted by July 31, 2027. Processing may take up to 60 days.

What happens if an account is inactive?
If no spending occurs for two consecutive fiscal years, the account will be closed and remaining funds returned.