Can a Duval family pay for fees, uniforms and books at school with scholarship funds?
At a private school the scholarship pays tuition first and then a defined list of fees.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Academic services, activity, application, athletic, book, club, graduation, registration, security, technology and test fees, and basic uniforms. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed with conditions or pre-approval | Only part-time private school fees, since a PEP student cannot be enrolled full time. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed | Tuition and the same eligible fees, with quarterly approval in EMA. |
Which rules apply to fees, uniforms and books at school purchases?
- Application and registration fees for the next year can be paid in spring.
- Uniform pieces must come from the school-required vendor.
What is not allowed under fees, uniforms and books at school?
- Annual giving or fundraising fees
- Food fees
- Before- and after-school care
- Optional fees
How do Jacksonville families use fees, uniforms and books at school?
Request each Duval school's fee sheet with eligible charges separated from the ones you must cover yourself. Over a year, that split can be worth several hundred dollars.
How does a family buy fees, uniforms and books at school 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.