Mechanics Guide

How to Request a Higher FES-UA Matrix Code

A step-by-step guide for Florida parents

Your child's funding depends on this number. Here's how to make sure it's accurate.

💡 Quick Answer: Can I Request a Higher Matrix Code?

Yes. If your child's current matrix code doesn't reflect their actual support needs, you have options. Only your local school district can assign or revise a matrix level — and you can request a re-evaluation even if your child isn't enrolled there. Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the evaluation within 30 days of your request and notify you within 10 days of completing it, and a re-evaluation can be requested once every three years (or sooner to correct an error). If you disagree with the district's evaluation, you can pursue an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). A jump from matrix 253 to 254 can mean $10,000+ more per year in FES-UA funding.

Your child's FES-UA funding amount depends almost entirely on one number: the matrix code. If that code doesn't accurately reflect your child's support needs, you're leaving money on the table — money that could fund therapy, tutoring, and services your child actually needs.

This guide walks through exactly how to request a higher matrix code, what documentation matters, and what to do if the initial evaluation doesn't match reality.

Funding

Why Matrix Codes Matter

Matrix codes range from 251 (lowest support needs) to 255 (highest support needs). The funding difference is significant:

Matrix Code	Approximate Annual Award
251–253	$9,627 – $14,381
254	$21,379 – $25,701
255	$34,429 – $39,091

*2026-27 amounts. Levels 251-253 are funded at the same rate; exact amounts vary by county and grade band.

A child coded at 251-253 who actually has 254-level support needs is missing out on roughly $11,000+ per year. Over a K-12 career, that's potentially $150,000 in services.

For a deeper explanation of how matrix codes work, see our FES-UA Matrix Codes Explained guide.

How Matrix Codes Are Assigned

Matrix codes come from Florida's Matrix of Services — completed by your local school district — which rates the services your child needs in five domains:

1. Curriculum and Learning Environment

• Accommodations vs. modified or alternate curriculum
• Small-group or one-on-one instruction needs
• Specialized settings or environmental adaptations
• Adult support needed to access instruction

2. Social/Emotional Behavior

• Emotional regulation
• Safety awareness (elopement, self-injury)
• Social interactions
• Frequency and intensity of behavioral episodes

3. Independent Functioning

• Eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene
• Mobility and physical assistance level
• Fine motor (writing, cutting, manipulating objects)
• Level of prompting required for daily tasks

4. Health Care

• Health procedures (medication, tube feeding)
• Health monitoring (seizures, blood sugar)
• Nursing or trained-staff involvement
• Individual health care and emergency plans

5. Communication

• Receptive language (understanding instructions)
• Expressive language (making needs known)
• AAC device use
• Social communication

The district rates each domain from 1 to 5 based on the services the child needs — not the diagnosis, but the actual level of support. Level 4 and 5 ratings across domains, plus a Special Considerations section (assistive technology, therapies, specialized transportation), drive the matrix codes 251-255.

Your Right to Request an Evaluation

Here's what many families don't know: Florida law gives you the right to request an evaluation from your local school district — even if your child has never been enrolled in public school.

This is codified in federal IDEA regulations and Florida Administrative Code. The district cannot refuse to evaluate a child simply because they attend private school or are homeschooled.

What this means practically:

✓ You can request an evaluation in writing
✓ Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the evaluation within 30 days of your request and notify you within 10 days of completing it
✓ The evaluation is at no cost to you
✓ You're entitled to a copy of all evaluation reports

What "Good Documentation" Looks Like

The difference between a 252 and a 254 often comes down to how support needs are documented. Vague language produces lower scores. Specific, observable data produces accurate scores.

❌ Weak documentation:

"Student struggles with self-care tasks."

✓ Strong documentation:

"Student requires full physical assistance to dress each morning (approximately 15 minutes). Cannot manipulate buttons, zippers, or snaps independently. Requires verbal and physical prompting for each step of toileting routine. Has 2-3 toileting accidents per week requiring full clothing change."

The pattern for strong documentation:

• Frequency — how often
• Duration — how long
• Intensity — what level of help
• Specificity — which exact tasks

Before any evaluation, gather:

• Therapy progress notes with specific observations
• Medical records documenting functional limitations
• Your own written log of daily support you provide
• Teacher/provider observations (if applicable)
• Videos showing actual support needs (with consent)

Step-by-Step: Requesting a Re-Evaluation

Step 1: Submit a written request to the district

Send a formal letter to your school district's ESE (Exceptional Student Education) department:

Dear [District ESE Director],

I am the parent of [Child's Name], DOB [Date]. I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation to determine my child's eligibility for exceptional student education services and to assess their support needs across all relevant domains.

My child currently participates in Florida's FES-UA scholarship program. I believe their current matrix code does not accurately reflect their functional support needs, and I am requesting a full re-evaluation.

Please contact me at [phone] or [email] to schedule the evaluation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Send via certified mail or hand-deliver with a receipt.

Step 2: Track the timeline

• District must acknowledge your request and propose an evaluation plan
• You'll sign consent for evaluation
• Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the evaluation within 30 days of your request and notify you within 10 days of completing it
• You're entitled to attend any evaluation meetings

Step 3: Prepare for the evaluation

Bring:

• Your documentation log
• Recent therapy/medical reports
• Written observations from anyone who works with your child
• A one-page summary of your child's typical day showing all support moments

Don't assume the evaluator will see what you see. Parents live with their child's support needs daily — evaluators see a snapshot. Your job is to make sure that snapshot is accurate.

Step 4: Review the results

You'll receive evaluation reports. Read them carefully. Check:

• Does each domain score match what you actually observe?
• Are there errors or omissions?
• Did the evaluator observe your child on a "good day" that wasn't representative?

Step 5: Dispute if necessary

If the evaluation doesn't reflect your child's actual needs:

• Request a meeting to discuss concerns
• Provide additional documentation
• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If you disagree with the district's evaluation, you can request an IEE at public expense. This means an independent evaluator — not employed by the district — conducts a new evaluation, and the district pays for it.

How to request an IEE:

Dear [District ESE Director],

I disagree with the evaluation of [Child's Name] completed on [Date]. I am requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense pursuant to 34 CFR § 300.502.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

The district must either:

Agree to fund the IEE, or
File for a due process hearing to defend their evaluation

Most districts agree to fund the IEE rather than go to hearing.

Important: You can also pay for an independent evaluation yourself at any time. Many families do this to get faster, more thorough assessments.

Submitting Updated Documentation to Your SFO

Once you have updated evaluation results showing higher support needs:

For Step Up families:

• The district's revised Matrix of Services is what changes your level — Step Up cannot create or change a matrix
• Once the district completes the new matrix, confirm your award in your EMA account
• Contact Step Up support if your award doesn't reflect the new level

For AAA families:

• The same rule applies — only the district can revise the matrix level
• Contact AAA directly once the district completes the re-evaluation
• AAA updates your award based on the district's new matrix

Timeline: After the district completes a revised matrix, allow time for your SFO to update the award. Don't expect immediate changes to your balance.

Families in Tampa and Miami have successfully requested re-evaluations when their child's matrix code didn't match reality. The process works — but it requires documentation and persistence.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a higher matrix code?

Yes — through your local school district, the only body that can assign or revise a matrix level. Under the current FES-UA handbook you can request a re-evaluation once every three years, or sooner only to correct an error.

Does my child have to be enrolled in public school?

No. Florida law requires districts to evaluate children in their jurisdiction regardless of where they attend school.

How long does a re-evaluation take?

Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the IEP or matrix evaluation within 30 days of a parent's request and notify the family within 10 days of completing it.

What if I disagree with the district's evaluation?

You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.

Can I pay for my own evaluation?

Yes. You can always pay for independent evaluations yourself at any time.

How do I submit new documentation to Step Up or AAA?

Your SFO (Step Up or AAA) cannot create or change a matrix level — only your school district can. Once the district completes a revised matrix, the updated level is reflected in your scholarship award. Contact your SFO if your award doesn't update after the district finishes.

Will my funding increase immediately?

No. Matrix reassessments take time to process through the state system.

What's the difference between matrix 253 and 254?

Roughly $10,000-$12,000 more per year depending on county and grade. Levels 251-253 are funded at the same amount, so 253 to 254 is the first meaningful jump.

Can my matrix code go down after re-evaluation?

Technically yes, if the evaluation shows lower support needs than previously documented. This is rare.

How often can I request re-evaluation?

Under the current FES-UA handbook, once every three years — or sooner only to correct an error in the existing matrix.

Ready to Get Started?

If your child's FES-UA funding doesn't match their actual support needs, the solution is better documentation and a formal re-evaluation.

We can't do the evaluation for you — but we can help make sure your tutoring hours are documented and your child is getting the support their funding is meant to provide.

Book a Free Consultation →

📞 (844) 773-3822

Last updated: July 2026