FES-UA Tutoring in Gainesville, Florida
Special needs tutoring for Gainesville families using the Step Up For Students scholarship. We're an approved provider — direct pay, no reimbursement wait.
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Gainesville families using FES-UA: we're a Step Up approved provider serving Alachua County. Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville has high academic expectations — and students with learning differences deserve specialized support to meet them. EMA direct pay, no reimbursement wait.
FES-UA Tutoring for Gainesville Families
Gainesville is a college town first — home to the University of Florida and a thriving academic culture — but it's also a real community where year-round families raise children through Alachua County Public Schools. The university brings a level of intellectual sophistication to the community, and Gainesville parents are often very well-read on their child's diagnosis and the latest research on dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. They want tutors who know the science, not just the surface.
Alachua County Public Schools is a mid-size district serving about 30,000 students with a strong commitment to inclusion and a relatively progressive special education department, partly influenced by UF's College of Education. But even in a well-resourced academic community, the one-on-one specialist time that children with learning differences truly need isn't available in a school setting. Our tutors bridge that gap — bringing the evidence-based methods (structured literacy, applied behavioral strategies, executive function coaching) that the research supports.
Gainesville FES-UA families can access our services at no out-of-pocket cost through direct Step Up For Students billing. Schedule a free consultation with a specialist who matches your child's profile.
🏫 Alachua County Public Schools & Special Ed
- District: Alachua County Public Schools
- Students: ~30,000 enrolled; university town with above-average parent education levels and high expectations
- Special Ed Program: ESE services — influenced by UF's College of Education research partnerships; strong inclusion philosophy, autism programs, SLD support
- Notable: Gainesville parents are often highly informed about their child's diagnosis and research-based interventions; they want to understand the "why" behind instructional choices
- Our Edge: Research-aligned methods, transparent approach, tutors who can discuss the science behind their strategies; structured literacy and autism academic coaching
💰 FES-UA Funding in Alachua County for 2025-26
Florida calculates FES-UA awards by county, grade band, and matrix level. For Gainesville families in Alachua County, the 2025-26 amounts are:
| Matrix Level | K-3 | 4-8 | 9-12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 251-253 (Mild to Moderate) | $10,720 | $10,120 | $9,965 |
| 254 (Substantial) | $21,897 | ||
| 255 (Intensive) | $35,236 | ||
Source: Step Up For Students 2025-26 FES-UA Scholarship Award Amounts
Our Services
Autism Tutoring
Academic support designed around your child's learning style and sensory needs.
Dyslexia Tutoring
Structured literacy using Orton-Gillingham and other evidence-based methods.
ADHD Tutoring
Strategies that work with your child's brain, building focus and organization.
Math Tutoring
Patient, clear instruction for students who struggle with math concepts.
Reading Tutoring
Phonics, fluency, and comprehension support for struggling readers.
Executive Function
Help with planning, time management, and organization skills.
How Step Up Works with Us
Schedule your free consultation
Tell us about your child and what you're hoping to accomplish.
We match you with the right tutor
A specialist who has experience with your child's specific needs.
Find us on EMA and start sessions
We bill Step Up directly through Find Providers. No out-of-pocket cost for you.
Gainesville FES-UA Questions
Do your tutors understand the research behind their methods?
Yes — Gainesville families near UF often expect that. Our tutors use evidence-based approaches (Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia, applied behavioral strategies for autism) and can explain the science behind their instruction.
How much FES-UA funding do Gainesville families receive?
Alachua County's 2025-26 FES-UA amounts for Gainesville families: K-3 students at matrix level 251-253 receive $10,720 annually. Higher support needs (matrix 254-255) qualify for $21,897 to $35,236.
About the FES-UA Program
What is the FES-UA scholarship?
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is Florida's education savings account program for students with disabilities. It provides funding for private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, curriculum, and other approved educational services. The program is administered by Step Up For Students, a nonprofit organization — not a state agency.
What diagnoses qualify for FES-UA?
FES-UA covers students ages 3 through grade 12 (or age 22) with autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia), ADHD, speech/language impairments, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, emotional/behavioral disabilities, orthopedic impairments, and many other qualifying conditions. If your child has an IEP or a documented diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist, they may qualify.
How does Step Up's direct-pay system work for tutoring?
When you work with an approved provider like us, we bill Step Up For Students directly through the EMA (Education Market Assistant) platform. You never pay out of pocket and never wait for reimbursement. We handle all the billing — you just focus on your child's sessions.
What's the difference between FES-UA and FES-EO?
FES-UA (Unique Abilities) is specifically for students with disabilities and typically provides higher funding amounts. FES-EO (Education Options) is income-based and available to a broader population. Both allow tutoring as an approved expense, but FES-UA families generally receive larger awards based on their child's matrix level (support needs).
Can I use FES-UA for online tutoring?
Yes. Online tutoring from approved providers is a fully qualifying expense under FES-UA. All of our sessions are delivered online, which means you have access to specialized tutors regardless of where you live in Florida.
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Ready to Get Started?
Book a free consultation and we'll discuss how we can help your child succeed.
Get Your Free Consultation →Or call us at (844) 773-3822