The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities replaced the Gardiner and McKay scholarships. Unlike the standard award, funds land in a parent-directed account that can pay a private school, a therapist, a tutor or a curriculum provider — in any combination.
Eligibility is based on a diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist, or an existing IEP, rather than income. The most common qualifying categories in Miami-Dade applications are autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment and other health impairment (including ADHD).
Many Miami-Dade private schools report to the state which disability categories they serve. We surface that list on every school page so families can match a diagnosis to a school before calling.
FES-UA applications for 2026-27 remain open to new students through November 15, 2026. A student cannot hold FES-UA and the standard Private School Scholarship at the same time; switching windows are published each year.
How to stack it
Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) can usually be combined with school-based tuition assistance and at least one other source on this site. Complete the funding check and an advisor will map the full stack for your child.