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How to enroll in the Florida PEP scholarship for homeschool
brought to you by Secular Liberty Homeschoolers
Step #1: APPLY for the Florida PEP scholarship.
Homeschoolers need to submit an application for the Florida PEP scholarship through one of the two non-profit Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) that have been approved through the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). As part of your application, you’ll need to…
- Submit an annual customized learning plan for your student that includes the goods and services you’ll need. SFOs govern learning plan formats and requirements, so check with your SFO in advance to make sure your submission is compliant.
- Have your student take an approved standardized assessment and submit the results to the SFO.
- Sign an annual agreement with the SFO.
- Accept the scholarship once the SFO notifies you that your application is approved. This is the point at which you’ll be assigned an ESA and it’ll be funded.
Note: You’ll need to repeat these steps completely every year you wish to participate in the Florida PEP scholarship.
After you’re accepted and your ESA is funded, you must…
Step #2: TERMINATE the homeschool arrangement you set up with your school district.
Keep in mind: When your child is accepted into the Florida PEP scholarship, they’re no longer considered a “homeschooler,” because they’re receiving the scholarship. That means you’ll need to officially terminate any homeschool arrangement you have with your local school district (if applicable) while also notifying them of your student’s participation in the Florida PEP scholarship.
This process can vary, so consult with your local district officials for instructions on exactly how to terminate your homeschool arrangement.
Step #3: USE your funds.
SFOs fund ESAs periodically for a given homeschool year (unlike Florida PEP scholarship arrangements with private school students, who may have payments sent directly to their provider). These funds can be issued as reimbursements or used for direct purchases of pre-approved materials.
- Reimbursements — Homeschool families submit receipts for a “qualifying use” to their SFO for approval, which is not guaranteed as per the SFO’s purchasing guide. Qualifying uses include “online learning programs, private tutoring, community college costs, higher education expenses and other approved customized learning services and materials.” See the FLDOE’s FAQ for additional details. For any receipts that are approved, you’ll be reimbursed from funds in the ESA.
- Direct purchase of pre-approved materials — Homeschool families can directly debit their ESA for purchases at your SFO’s online store. For instance, Step Up For Students (one of the two SFOs) has an online store called MyScholarShop.