Home › Guides
Guide

Working with Step Up For Students as a Duval parent

Step Up For Students handles about 98% of Florida's scholarship accounts. This page narrows that down to Duval: what it pays, the calendar and the local schools involved.

Last verified: October 2026

What does Step Up For Students pay a Duval child in 2026-27?

In Duval, Step Up pays $8,409, $7,821 or $7,629 by grade band on both the Private School Scholarship and PEP, while FES-UA starts at $10,573 for matrix levels 1-3. Each number is copied from the Duval line of the 2026-27 tables.

What is the 2026-27 calendar for a Duval family?

New Private School and FES-UA applicants have until November 15, 2026 and must accept by December 15; Quarter 3 enrollment is due December 15, Quarter 4 transfer enrollment February 15, 2027, and renewing students apply February 1 to April 30.

How many Duval private schools participate in Step Up's programs?

The October 28, 2026 state directory flags 133 Duval schools for FTC/FES-EO, 137 for FES-UA and 11 for PEP, out of 180 registered.

How does the money reach a Duval private school?

The school submits enrollment in EMA, the parent approves it, and payment follows each quarter; Step Up's funds arrive from the state on set dates and accounts are credited within two weeks of that.

What happens if a Duval family misses its renewal date?

Step Up treats a renewing student who accepts after the deadline as a new student. Last season renewing families had to apply by April 30 and accept by May 31, so those two dates are worth calendar reminders.

Step Up programs side by side
Private SchoolFES-UAPEP
Duval K-3$8,409$10,573 (levels 1-3)$8,409
New-student deadlineNov 15, 2026Nov 15, 2026Closed Apr 30, 2026
PaysThe schoolParent-directedParent-directed

What is the next step for a Duval family?

The funding check takes about two minutes. An advisor then lays out every source your child can use and the dates that apply, and calls you back with the plan.

Start the funding check →

Find out what your family qualifies for

Answer five short questions. A tuition counselor calls you back with a plan for your child, with no pressure and no obligation.

Start the funding check →