Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO)
The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program for Educational Options (FES-EO) provides funding for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational services. This is the largest ESA program in the United States.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Income-based: Initially for families at or below 185% of federal poverty level. Expanding to universal eligibility. Open to Florida residents entering kindergarten or enrolled in public school previous year.
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📝 How to Apply
1. Choose scholarship funding organization (Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation). 2. Create parent account online. 3. Complete application for each student. 4. Upload required documents. 5. Await eligibility determination from SFO. 6. If approved, accept scholarship by May 31 deadline.
Proof of Florida residency, student birth certificate, proof of household income (for priority consideration), prior school records if applicable
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition and fees, tutoring services, curriculum and instructional materials, therapy services (occupational, speech, physical), fees for standardized testing, educational software, tuition/fees for online learning programs, fees for dual enrollment courses, and other approved educational expenses.
📊 Academic Requirements
Nationally norm-referenced achievement tests required annually (e.g., Stanford, Iowa Test, Terra Nova)
Must participate in private school or approved educational program
Must take nationally norm-referenced tests annually
Annual testing results, quarterly expense documentation through SFO
Annual renewal application through SFO. Renewal priority deadline April 30, must accept/decline by May 31
