Can a Duval family pay for online classes and virtual schools with scholarship funds?
Florida separates self-paced online courses (curriculum), live instruction from an approved provider and full-time virtual school.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Tuition and fees at approved online or virtual providers, and approved online courses, are allowed. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed with conditions or pre-approval | Self-paced courses count as curriculum, live instruction must come from an approved provider and full-time online school is not allowed. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed | An approved online private school can be the enrolling school. |
Which rules apply to online classes and virtual schools purchases?
- Full-time enrollment as a publicly funded virtual student ends scholarship eligibility.
- Out-of-state providers participate if the state has approved them.
What is not allowed under online classes and virtual schools?
- Full-time virtual enrollment paid from PEP
How do Jacksonville families use online classes and virtual schools?
Online courses can help a Jacksonville family that lives far from a fitting campus or wants a course its school does not teach. American Faith Academy (AmFaith, amfaith.com) is one online Christian option some families examine; confirm any provider with Step Up first.
How does a family buy online classes and virtual schools with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.