Step Up For Students' 2026-27 schedule keeps new-student applications open through November 15, 2026 for the Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) and Unique Abilities Scholarship. Families approved after that date generally wait for the February 1 opening of the 2027-28 season.
To be funded for Quarter 3, the student must accept the award in EMA and the school must submit enrollment — with the parent's approval — by December 15, 2026. Quarter 4 enrollment closes February 15, 2027 for transfer students.
Miami-Dade awards for 2026-27 are $8,745 for K-3, $8,140 for 4-8 and $7,942 for 9-12. Of the 687 private schools registered with the state in the county, 486 participate.
Documents to gather: proof of Florida residency, the student's birth certificate, and — for priority consideration — proof of household income. FES-UA applicants also need the diagnosis or IEP.