How Do I Enroll in a Private School with FES-UA?

You’ve found the perfect private school for your child with autism or special needs—but the tuition feels impossible. What if Florida’s FES-UA scholarship could cover it? Thousands of Florida families use the FES-UA program to access private education, and you can too. When you enroll private school FES-UA, you’re opening doors to specialized support your child needs to thrive. The Florida Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) provides funding for eligible students with disabilities to attend participating private schools. This scholarship can cover tuition, therapies, and educational services—giving your family real options beyond your assigned public school. If you’re wondering whether your child qualifies, how much funding you’ll receive, or what steps to take next, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about enrolling in a private school using FES-UA.

What Is the FES-UA Scholarship?

The Florida Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) gives eligible students with disabilities funding to attend private schools that meet their needs. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, they may qualify for this scholarship. It can change what’s possible for their education.

FES-UA doesn’t just cover tuition. The scholarship pays for many services your child needs:

• Private school tuition and fees at participating schools
• Specialized therapies like speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy
• Curriculum and instructional materials designed for your child’s learning style
• Assistive technology and other educational services

A typical FES-UA award is around $10,000 per year. The exact amount depends on your child’s grade level and needs. Some families receive more, especially when their child needs intensive support.

Unlike Florida’s other scholarship programs (like FTC or Hope), FES-UA is designed for students with documented disabilities. That focus means the funding can be used for therapies and services that typical scholarship programs don’t cover. This gives you real flexibility to build the right plan for your child.

Who Qualifies to Enroll in Private School Using FES-UA?

Not every Florida student qualifies for FES-UA. But if your child has documented special needs, there’s a good chance they do. The eligibility requirements focus on educational need, not family income. Here’s what the state looks for:

• Active IEP or 504 plan: Your child must have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan from a Florida public school. This documentation proves your child has a disability that affects their learning.
• Age and grade: Students must be between 3 and 22 years old and enrolled in PreK through 12th grade. Early intervention starts at age three. This gives families years of scholarship support.
• Florida residency: Your family must live in Florida. The scholarship follows Florida students, so you can use it at any participating private school in the state.
• No income limits: Unlike some scholarship programs, FES-UA doesn’t consider your household income. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, your child can qualify if they meet the educational criteria.

If your child already receives special education services in public school, you’re halfway there. The next step is finding a participating private school and starting the application process.

Step-by-Step: How to Enroll Private School FES-UA

Ready to get started? The FES-UA enrollment process has four main steps. Each one builds on the last, so you’ll want to complete them in order. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Get an IEP or 504 plan from your current public school. Your child needs documented special needs to qualify. If you’re currently homeschooling, you’ll need to enroll your child in public school long enough to get an evaluation and IEP. This can take 60 days or more, so start early.
2. Create your FES-UA login and submit your online application. Visit the Florida Department of Education FES-UA page to access the application portal. You’ll need your child’s IEP or 504 plan, proof of Florida residency, and basic family information. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
3. Choose an approved private school from the directory. Not all private schools accept FES-UA. Use the Florida School Choice directory to find participating schools near you. Visit schools and ask about their special education services. Make sure they’re a good fit for your child’s needs.
4. Complete enrollment with your chosen private school and funding organization. Once approved for FES-UA, you’ll work with a scholarship funding organization (SFO) to finalize payment arrangements. Your private school will guide you through their enrollment requirements.

Finding Autism Schools in Jacksonville FL That Accept FES-UA

Jacksonville offers several private schools that serve students with autism and accept FES-UA funding. Start your search at the Florida Department of Education’s FES-UA provider directory. Filter by county and disability focus to find schools near you that specialize in autism support.

When you tour schools, ask these key questions:

• Do you accept FES-UA scholarships? Not all private schools participate in the program.
• What autism-specific services do you offer? Look for ABA therapy, sensory rooms, and trained special education staff.
• What’s your student-to-teacher ratio? Smaller class sizes often mean more individualized attention.
• How do you handle IEP goals? Make sure the school can continue working toward your child’s existing goals.
• When does enrollment open? Many schools fill spots months before the school year starts.

Start your search in January or February for fall enrollment. Popular programs fill quickly, so don’t wait until summer to begin touring schools.

Do Private Schools Take the FSA?

Here’s great news: your child won’t have to take the FSA if they’re enrolled in a private school using FES-UA. The Florida Standards Assessment is a public school requirement. It doesn’t apply to private school students. This means your child can focus on learning instead of worrying about high-stakes state testing that might not match their abilities or learning style.

That said, FES-UA does require some standardized testing. Private schools must give students a norm-referenced assessment each year. These are tests like the Stanford Achievement Test or Iowa Test of Basic Skills. These tests measure your child’s progress compared to other students nationwide. But they’re typically less stressful than the FSA. Many private schools already use these tests as part of their regular curriculum.

For students who struggle with test anxiety or have processing differences, this flexibility can make a real difference. Your child’s teachers can focus on individualized instruction rather than teaching to a specific state test.

Understanding Education Market Assistance and FES-UA Login

Once your child is approved for FES-UA, a Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) will help manage the money. Think of SFOs as the middlemen between the state and your family. They process payments, track spending, and make sure funds go where they should. You’ll need to create an account with your assigned SFO and learn to use their parent portal. This is where you’ll check your balance, submit receipts for approved expenses, and talk with your school about payments.

Here’s what you need to know about your FES-UA account:

• Log in regularly: Your SFO portal shows your current funding balance and payment history in real time.
• Submit documentation: Some expenses require receipts or invoices uploaded through the dashboard before funds are released.
• Track disbursements: Tuition payments typically go directly to your private school on a quarterly schedule. You’ll see these transactions in your account.
• Communicate changes: If you switch schools or add services mid-year, update your SFO through the portal to redirect funds correctly.

Education market assistance refers to the support services SFOs provide to help families navigate the FES-UA system. Most SFOs offer phone support, online tutorials, and step-by-step guides. These help you understand how to use your scholarship funds effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your FES-UA login or how to submit expenses. That’s what they’re there for.

Can You Use FES-UA for Florida Home School?

Yes—FES-UA works for homeschooling too. If you’re educating your child at home, FES-UA funds can pay for curriculum, therapies, educational materials, and tutoring services. Many Florida families combine homeschooling with FES-UA to create a customized learning plan that fits their child’s unique needs.

Here’s what makes homeschool enrollment different from private school enrollment with FES-UA:

• You manage the funds directly. Instead of the scholarship going to a school, you purchase approved services and materials through the FES-UA online platform.
• You file a notice of intent. Florida home school families must submit a notice of intent to homeschool with their local school district. This is separate from the FES-UA application.
• You keep records. You’re responsible for maintaining a portfolio of your child’s work and progress, just like any Florida home school family.
• You can mix approaches. Some families homeschool most subjects but use FES-UA funds for part-time private school services. These include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized classes.

This flexibility lets you build the exact support system your child needs. Whether you want to enroll private school FES-UA full-time or combine homeschooling with specialized services, the scholarship adapts to your family’s choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the FES-UA scholarship worth?

Award amounts vary by county and your child’s individual needs. Most families receive between $7,000 and $10,000 per year, though some receive more. The exact amount depends on the Matrix of Services level assigned to your child’s IEP. Higher levels of support mean higher scholarship amounts. Your scholarship renews each year as long as your child remains eligible.

Can I apply for FES-UA if my child is already in private school?

Yes, you can. Your child must first get an IEP or 504 plan from your assigned public school district. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to withdraw from private school to get the evaluation. Simply contact your zoned public school and request an evaluation. They’re required to assess your child even if they’re not enrolled there.

How long does the FES-UA application process take?

Once you have an IEP or 504 plan in hand, the online application takes about 30 minutes to complete. Typically you’ll hear back within 2-4 weeks. The catch? Getting that initial IEP can take 60 days or longer. Start the evaluation process early—ideally several months before you want to enroll private school FES-UA.

Are there other Florida high school scholarships for students with special needs?

Yes, Florida offers several scholarship programs. FES-UA is designed for students with IEPs or 504 plans. Other options include the Family Empowerment Scholarship if you meet income requirements, or the Hope Scholarship if your child experienced bullying or violence at their previous school. Some families stack multiple scholarships to cover full tuition costs.

What happens if my child’s needs change after enrolling?

You’re not locked in. Update your child’s IEP through the public school district at any time. This may adjust your scholarship amount up or down. Switching to a different participating private school is also possible, or even transitioning to homeschooling while keeping your FES-UA funding. The scholarship follows your child, not the school.

You don’t have to choose between the right education for your child and what you can afford. FES-UA exists to make specialized private schools accessible for Florida families like yours. Thousands of parents have walked this path before you—getting the IEP or 504 plan, submitting the application, and watching their children thrive in schools designed for their unique needs.

Your next step is simple: start your research now. Look at participating private schools in your area and request that IEP evaluation from your current school. The application process takes time, so planning ahead means you’ll be ready when the enrollment window opens. Your child deserves an education that fits—and with FES-UA, that education is within reach.