Which Florida Scholarship Is Right for You?
Florida offers multiple ESA tracks, each serving different student needs. Most families qualify for at least one:
📚 Special for Struggling Readers: New Worlds Scholarship Account
Florida's NWSA is the only ESA track in the country specifically designed for struggling readers. If your K–5 child is reading below grade level, this scholarship provides targeted funding for literacy tutoring, reading materials, and intervention — and your child can stay in public school while receiving support.
This is a direct match for ReAid's reading intervention services.
What Florida ESA Funds Cover
Certified educator or authorized tutoring program
Speech, reading specialists, OT, ABA
Nationally norm-referenced and AP exams
Instructional materials, both physical and digital
Virtual education through approved providers
Florida Prepaid and FL College Savings contributions
Sample Plan — FES-UA ($10,000)
Screening & Assessment Package: $499
Intervention Sessions (2x/week, 12 months): $7,200
Curriculum & Materials: $500
Digital Learning Platform: $180
Total: $8,379 — Fully covered, with $1,621 remaining
How to Apply
All Florida ESA scholarships are managed through Step Up For Students, the state's approved Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO). The process is straightforward:
- Get help choosing your scholarship trackFlorida has multiple tracks and it can be confusing. We'll help you determine whether FES-EO, FES-UA, or NWSA is the best fit based on your child's situation. Book your free call →
- Create a Step Up For Students accountVisit stepupforstudents.org and create your parent account. You'll need proof of your child's age, Florida residency, and (for FES-UA) diagnosis documentation.
- Submit your application2026–2027 applications opened February 1, 2026. Complete the online application and upload required documents.
- Get approved (2–4 weeks)Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. You'll receive email notification when approved. Accept your scholarship by the deadline.
- Start using fundsOnce approved, funds deposit quarterly into your EMA account. Purchase through MyScholarShop, pay approved vendors through EMA, or submit reimbursement claims.
FES-UA Qualifying Diagnoses
If your child has one of these documented conditions, they may qualify for the higher FES-UA award (~$10,000). The diagnosis must come from a licensed physician, psychologist, or be documented in an IEP from a Florida school district:
Specific learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, developmental aphasia), autism spectrum disorder, speech impairment, language impairment, intellectual disability, emotional or behavioral disability, traumatic brain injury, and many others. If your child struggles with reading and has a documented diagnosis, they likely qualify.
Official Resources
Florida Has the Most ESA Options in the Country
We'll help you figure out which scholarship track is right for your child and build an intervention plan your ESA covers.
Not in Florida? Check all state ESA deadlines →