Choosing a Private School with FES-UA
A Florida parent's decision framework
What makes a school eligible, what questions to ask, and how to think about the funding math.
💡 Quick Answer: How Do I Choose a Private School with FES-UA?
The school must be (1) in the FLDOE Private School Directory and (2) registered to accept FES-UA scholarship payments. Categories include mainstream private schools with ESE supports, schools specifically designed for learning differences, umbrella schools for homeschoolers, and hybrid programs. Before enrolling, verify FES-UA registration, ask about actual ESE supports (not just claims), compare tuition to your matrix-code award, and understand what happens if tuition exceeds your award. FES-UA covers the lesser of tuition or award amount — families pay any difference.
If you're using FES-UA, one of your biggest decisions is where your child will go to school. Private school tuition is one of the primary uses of FES-UA funds, and the options range from mainstream schools with special education supports to schools specifically designed for students with disabilities.
This guide helps you navigate that decision: what makes a school FES-UA-eligible, what questions to ask, and how to think about the funding math.
Important note: We don't operate a private school — we provide tutoring. This article is informational. Whether you choose a mainstream private school, a specialty school, or homeschool, tutoring can fill academic gaps the school doesn't address.
FES-UA Pays for Private School Tuition
Florida Statute 1002.394 allows FES-UA funds to pay for tuition and fees at eligible private schools. This includes:
- ✓ Tuition
- ✓ Registration and enrollment fees
- ✓ Lab fees, book fees, and other required fees
- ✓ Uniforms (if required by the school)
The key word is "eligible." Not every private school qualifies.
The Two-List Rule
For a private school to accept FES-UA funds, it must appear on two lists:
1. FLDOE Private School Directory
The Florida Department of Education maintains a directory of private schools operating in Florida. This is a baseline requirement — if a school isn't in this directory, it's not an option.
2. FES-UA Scholarship Registration
The school must also be registered to accept FES-UA scholarship payments through one of the Scholarship Funding Organizations (Step Up for Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation).
Important: Some schools are in the FLDOE directory but haven't registered for FES-UA. You need to verify both.
Categories of Private Schools FES-UA Families Use
1. Mainstream Private Schools with ESE Supports
Typical private schools (religious or independent) that also offer special education services. Quality varies widely.
Pros:
Inclusion with typically-developing peers; often closer to home; full academic curriculum
Cons:
ESE supports may be limited; may not specialize in your child's specific needs
2. Schools Specifically Designed for Learning Differences
Schools serving primarily students with disabilities — autism-specific schools, dyslexia schools, schools for intellectual disabilities, etc.
Pros:
Specialized expertise; smaller class sizes; staff trained in specific disabilities
Cons:
May be more expensive; fewer locations; less exposure to typically-developing peers
3. Umbrella Schools for Homeschooling Families
Provide curriculum guidance, record-keeping, and sometimes part-time classes while you remain the primary educator.
Pros:
Maximum flexibility; parent control; can use FES-UA for curriculum and services
Cons:
Requires parent time and involvement; less peer interaction
For more on homeschooling with FES-UA, see our FES-UA and Homeschooling guide.
4. Hybrid Programs
Part-time enrollment (2-3 days/week) with homeschool or online learning the other days.
Pros:
Best of both worlds; flexibility; lower tuition costs
Cons:
Requires coordination; not available everywhere
Questions to Ask Any School Before Enrolling
Don't assume — verify. Before committing to a private school, ask:
1. Are you FES-UA-registered?
"Are you currently registered to accept FES-UA scholarship payments through Step Up or AAA?" Verify their answer in the FLDOE directory and with your SFO.
2. What's your enrollment process for FES-UA families?
Some schools have separate enrollment tracks for scholarship families. Ask what paperwork they need and the timeline.
3. What ESE supports do you actually provide?
Don't accept vague answers like "we work with all students." Ask specifically:
- • Do you have trained ESE staff?
- • What's the student-to-teacher ratio in ESE classes?
- • Do you provide accommodations (extended time, modified assignments)?
- • Do you offer related services (speech therapy, OT) on-site?
- • What disabilities do you have the most experience with?
4. What's your specialty population, if any?
Some schools specialize. Others don't. A school that specializes in your child's disability profile may be a better fit.
5. What's tuition relative to my matrix-code award?
Get the actual numbers. Annual tuition + fees vs. your annual FES-UA award.
The Funding Gap Question
Here's the math that matters:
FES-UA covers the lesser of:
- • Your annual award amount (based on matrix code), OR
- • The school's tuition and fees
Example 1: Award exceeds tuition
- • FES-UA Award: $18,000
- • School Tuition: $12,000
- • FES-UA pays: $12,000
- • Remaining: $6,000 for tutoring, therapy, etc.
Example 2: Tuition exceeds award
- • FES-UA Award: $18,000
- • School Tuition: $24,000
- • FES-UA pays: $18,000
- • Family pays: $6,000 out-of-pocket
If tuition exceeds your award, you pay the difference. FES-UA won't cover it. Some schools offer financial aid for the gap; many don't.
The Combination Strategy: School + Tutoring
Many families use FES-UA for both private school and tutoring:
How it works:
- • Private school handles most academics
- • Tutoring fills specific gaps the school can't address
Common scenarios:
- • School provides general curriculum, but your child needs intensive reading intervention → tutoring
- • School has group instruction, but your child needs 1:1 math support → tutoring
- • School covers academics, but your child needs executive function coaching → tutoring
Budget example:
- • FES-UA Award: $22,000
- • School Tuition: $16,000
- • Remaining for tutoring: $6,000 (about 2 hours/week of tutoring for the school year)
Families in Jacksonville and St. Petersburg commonly use this model — school for the foundation, tutoring for the gaps.
Schools to Be Cautious About
Watch for these red flags:
1. Not FES-UA-registered
If the school isn't registered, they can't accept FES-UA funds. Period. Some schools claim they're "working on it" — verify with the SFO before enrolling.
2. Asks for upfront tuition before EMA processes
FES-UA payments flow through EMA (for Step Up) or SMP (for AAA). If a school demands full tuition upfront before your scholarship is processed, that's a problem.
3. No documented special-ed expertise
A school that says "we can work with any student" but has no trained ESE staff, no experience with your child's disability, and no specific accommodations process is probably not equipped.
4. Vague answers to specific questions
If they can't tell you exactly what supports they provide, they probably don't have much to provide.
Where to Start the Search
1. FLDOE Private School Directory
Start here: https://web03.fldoe.org/PrivateSchool/ — Filter by county and search for schools in your area.
2. Step Up's Find Providers
If you're with Step Up, use their Find Providers tool to search for FES-UA-registered schools.
3. AAA's School Directory
If you're with AAA Scholarship Foundation, use their approved provider list.
4. Disability-specific networks
Organizations focused on specific disabilities often maintain school recommendations. Local parent groups can point you to schools with strong reputations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FES-UA pay for private school tuition?
Yes. Tuition at eligible private schools is a primary FES-UA expense.
What makes a school FES-UA-eligible?
It must be in the FLDOE Private School Directory and registered to accept FES-UA payments through Step Up or AAA.
What if tuition costs more than my award?
FES-UA pays up to your award amount. You pay the difference out-of-pocket.
Can I use FES-UA for both school and tutoring?
Yes. After tuition, remaining funds can pay for tutoring, therapy, and other approved services.
Do all private schools have special education supports?
No. Quality and availability vary widely. Ask specific questions before enrolling.
What's an umbrella school?
A school that provides structure and oversight for homeschooling families — curriculum guidance, record-keeping, sometimes part-time classes.
Can I use FES-UA for a hybrid school program?
Yes, if the program is through an FES-UA-registered school.
What if a school claims they're "working on" FES-UA registration?
Verify with the SFO before enrolling. Don't rely on promises — verify.
Where do I find FES-UA-eligible schools?
Start with the FLDOE Private School Directory, then verify registration through Step Up's Find Providers or AAA's directory.
Should I choose a specialized school or a mainstream school?
It depends on your child. Specialized schools offer expertise; mainstream schools offer inclusion. Visit both and decide based on your child's needs.
Ready to Add Tutoring?
Whether you choose a mainstream school, a specialty school, or homeschool, academic gaps may remain. We provide specialized tutoring that complements school — filling the gaps that classroom instruction can't address.
Book a Free Consultation →Sources: Florida Statutes 1002.394, Step Up For Students, FLDOE Private School Directory
Last updated: May 2026