Exciting changes are underway in Florida’s education landscape, offering families greater flexibility and customization in their children’s learning experiences. With the recent passage of HB 1, the state has transformed its private school scholarship programs into education savings account (ESA) programs, opening doors for all of Florida’s 2.7 million school-aged children. This article provides an overview of the program’s key features and the opportunities it presents to families.
Starting from July 1, 2023, Florida’s existing Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Opportunity Voucher Program and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program will transition into education savings account programs. This transformation means that any child in the state can enroll in non-public school options, including private school in Clearwater, FL, and homeschooling.
Unlike before, there will be no financial eligibility requirement to apply, although the program will have funding limits. Participating families will receive approximately $8,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year, deposited into an account. Through an online portal, they can then utilize these funds for approved learning expenses, ranging from homeschool curricula to digital learning materials.
While all families are eligible to participate, priority will be given to low-income families and children in foster care. Afterward, middle-income families and others will be considered until the funding cap is met. Parents can apply through a single application that covers both the Florida Empowerment Scholarship Educational Opportunity Voucher Program and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
Initially, students will receive education savings accounts through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Once most of the funding from that program has been allocated, they will be awarded Family Empowerment Scholarships. Despite different funding mechanisms, both programs offer families the same scholarship amount and a flexible learning experience.
The bill also enhances the annual scholarship adjustment for Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities Program, ensuring more scholarships are available to students with special learning needs. This program already employs an ESA format, enabling families to personalize their education to meet unique requirements. The expansion will help address the waitlist faced by students with unique abilities.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new method for obtaining an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), allowing students who have never attended public school to be eligible for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. Evaluation reports from licensed professionals other than school districts can now be used to develop services needed by non-public school students without an IEP.
Florida’s expanded education savings account program covers various approved expenses, including Clearwater private school tuition, online learning costs, homeschool curriculum, part-time tutoring services, part-time college enrollment, fees for Advanced Placement tests or industry certification exams, textbooks, and even approved courses or services offered by public school districts. A purchasing guide detailing eligible expenses will be available online by December 2023. If using the program to pay for the Clearwater private school, tuition must be covered first, followed by other approved expenses, if funds remain.
With numerous options available, navigating the expanded program may feel overwhelming for families. To assist parents, a statewide online portal will be developed, providing details about participating schools and personalized recommendations. Additionally, Choice Navigators, accredited professionals who guide parents through their options, are available as an optional service. Fees for Choice Navigators are eligible expenses covered by education savings accounts.
Florida’s education savings account program marks a significant step forward in empowering families to tailor their children’s education to their specific needs. By providing funding and flexibility, the program opens doors to a wide range of learning options, including Clearwater private schools, homeschooling, and part-time enrollment in public schools. Families now have the opportunity to mix and match different educational approaches to enhance their children’s educational journey.
Lakeside Christian School, a renowned educational institution in Clearwater, FL, is proud to participate in the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (ESA) program. As an ESA-approved school, Lakeside Christian School offers students a safe and inclusive learning environment. The ESA program provides these students with a unique opportunity to receive financial assistance and transfer to Lakeside Christian School, which is known for its exceptional academic standards and emphasis on fostering a lasting relationship with God. Through the ESA program, families can access the financial support needed to ensure their children receive the best education possible at Lakeside Christian School, preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.
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