1. Choose the model
Full five-day school, three-day hybrid with home learning (funded through PEP), or a microschool of 12-40 students. Hybrids use existing church space, keep tuition near the scholarship amount, and still qualify for state funding.
2. Register with the state
Florida requires private schools to file an annual survey with the Department of Education (which creates the school number shown on every listing here), keep attendance and immunization records, meet health, safety and fire codes, and complete Level 2 background screening for staff. The state does not license, accredit or set curriculum for private K-12 schools. Preschools and child care are licensed separately by DCF.
3. Become a scholarship school
To receive the Private School Scholarship, the school registers with Step Up For Students (and/or AAA), submits the required compliance documents, and enrolls students in EMA. Schools that have operated fewer than three years post a surety bond or letter of credit, and all participating schools administer an annual norm-referenced test.
4. Set tuition against the funding stack
Price so that a family combining the state scholarship ($8,745 K-3 · $8,140 4-8 · $7,942 9-12 in Miami-Dade) with a member rate pays close to nothing. Our partner fund is designed to close the remaining gap for church-launched schools.
5. Recruit through funding, not flyers
Families in your neighborhood are already searching for school vouchers, Step Up schools and affordable Christian schools. Listing here puts your school in front of them at the moment they are looking for money.
6. Talk to us before you open
We can introduce you to our funding partner, connect you with Miami-Dade congregations that have already launched, and pre-build your directory listing so families find you on day one.