Can a Duval family pay for private tutoring with scholarship funds?
Part-time tutoring is among the commonest ways a Duval family uses leftover scholarship money, and it comes with credential rules the tutor must meet.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Part-time and full-time private tutoring are authorized categories, and sessions may be delivered online. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed | A core PEP expense, bought from approved providers through the provider platform or by reimbursement. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed from money left after tuition | Once tuition and required school fees are settled, the remainder can go to a credentialed tutor. |
Which rules apply to private tutoring purchases?
- The purchasing guides name the credentials a tutor needs, such as a Florida teaching certificate, a degree in the subject or an approved research-based reading certification. Check the guide before booking.
- Pay through the EMA provider platform or keep an itemized receipt for reimbursement.
- Full-time private tutoring has its own certification, hours and group-size rules that the guide spells out.
What is not allowed under private tutoring?
- A tutor who holds none of the listed credentials
- Cash paid to a private seller
- Sessions another agency has already paid for
How do Jacksonville families use private tutoring?
Duval families often book reading and math tutors for after school or for Saturdays. Before the first session, ask whether the tutor is already listed under Find Providers in EMA so the account can pay directly.
How does a family buy private tutoring 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.