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Scholarship Guide

Group of older students wearing backpacks and posing arm in arm on campus..

There are differentdifferent types of school scholarships available to your child in Florida. Learn more about them below. Find more information on scholarship programs.

The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)

Pays for private school tuition at an average of $7,700 per school year. The amount awarded is based on income or matrix score. Matrix score is based on the level of services on the IEP or 504 plan. There are two options:

  • The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO): Gives families of K-12 students a choice of financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees. It also helps with transportation costs for students to attend a public school different from the one the student is assigned to. 
  • Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA): Designed to assist students with disabilities. Allows parents to personalize their child’s education by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers. This includes schools, therapists, specialists, technology and even a college savings account. 
  • Documents needed: 
    • Proof of child’s age 
    • Proof of disability 
    • Proof of residency 
    • Sworn compliance statement

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

Created for families that have limited financialfinancial resources. There are two options: 

  • Scholarship to assist with the cost of transportation to a public school other than their assigned school 
  • Scholarship to a private school

HOPE Scholarship

Developed for students K-12 who have been victims of bullying or violence within a public school. The report of an incident must be submitted to the school principal so it can be investigated. There are two options: 

  • Financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees 
  • Assistance with transportation to a public school in another school district

Questions?

  • For more information on schools and scholarships in Florida, visit Step Up for Students or call 1-877-735-7837, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
  • For help from CMS Health Plan, contact Member Services at 1-866-799-5321, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. You can also contact your child’s Care Manager.