The FES-UA scholarship in Florida helps families of students with disabilities choose the education that fits their child. Many parents have heard of it but are not sure what it pays for, who can apply, or how it works with an online school. This guide explains it in simple words.
What Is the FES-UA scholarship in Florida?
FES-UA stands for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. It is Florida’s school choice program for students with disabilities, and it continued the older McKay Scholarship program. Step Up For Students is the nonprofit that runs it for the state.
What Can the Money Pay For?
The scholarship is an education savings account that works like a flexible bank account. Families direct the funds to pay for private school tuition and fees, therapies, tutoring and more. This means you can build a plan around your child instead of fitting your child into one program.
The amounts are set each year by the Florida Legislature in the state budget, so check the current amounts on the Step Up For Students website.
Who Can Apply?
The state sets the eligibility rules, and they include a qualifying disability with the right documentation. Rules can change, so read the current family handbook on the Step Up For Students website before you apply. If you are not sure whether your child qualifies, call the school or Step Up’s family support team. They can tell you what paperwork you need.
How to Apply
Create your Step Up account. First-time applicants must create an account in EMA, the Step Up For Students online platform where you manage everything about your child’s scholarship.
Submit the application and documents. Fill in your child’s information and upload the documents requested. Keep copies of everything.
Watch the dates. For the 2026-27 school year, applications opened on February 1, 2026, and renewing families were asked to apply by April 30 to keep priority. Families who missed that date were still encouraged to apply because funds might be available. Dates change every year, so check the Step Up website for the next school year.
Check That Your School Accepts FES-UA
Before you move your child, make sure the school takes this scholarship. Step Up’s own handbook tells families to confirm that a school accepts FES-UA before changing programs. A quick phone call saves a lot of stress.
Using FES-UA at PK-12 Virtual Academy
PK-12 Virtual Academy in Davie accepts the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities through Step Up For Students, and our team works with children who have special needs. Families can choose the format that fits their child: full-time online school, one-to-one tutoring, self-paced learning or hybrid learning. You can read more on our scholarship page.
Questions to Ask Any School Before You Use Your Scholarship
- Do you accept FES-UA, and can you help with the paperwork?
- Will my child have a personalized learning plan?
- How do you support students with different needs?
- Who will my child’s teacher be, and how often will I get progress updates?
- Is the schedule live, flexible or both?
- What does enrollment cost beyond the scholarship amount?
You can also read our guides on questions to ask before enrolling in an online school and how to choose an online private school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FES-UA the same as the McKay Scholarship?
The McKay Scholarship was folded into the Family Empowerment Scholarship under the Unique Abilities category on July 1, 2022. If you knew the old program, FES-UA is its current form.
Can I use FES-UA for tutoring?
Yes. The funds can pay for tutoring, therapies and private school tuition and fees. Ask Step Up about the approved expenses for your child’s account.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The amount depends on the student and is set by the state budget each year. Check the current amounts on the Step Up For Students website.
Can I still apply if I missed the spring deadline?
For 2026-27, one guide says families who missed the April 30 date should still apply, since funds may be available. Confirm with Step Up, and watch for the dates for the following year.
Does PK-12 Virtual Academy accept FES-UA?
Yes. Our scholarship page confirms that we accept it through Step Up For Students.
Ready to Talk?
Every child learns differently, and the right plan makes a big difference. If you live in Davie, Hollywood or anywhere in Broward County and want to see whether PK-12 Virtual Academy fits your family, book a free consultation or call 954-224-9699. We can walk you through the scholarship and your options.
