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Florida’s Personalized Education Program
What is the Personalized Education Program (PEP)?
The PEP, funded through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, is an education savings account program that allows parents to fund their child’s education if they’re not attending public or private school full-time. This program provides access to an education savings account (ESA) to fund the education needs of eligible students.
What can I use the PEP ESA funds for at GCPA?
Florida’s PEP ESA funds can cover education expenses such as:
- Online courses (including materials)
- Online tutoring
Florida PEP Eligibility
Scholarships are open to grades K through 12 Florida residents not enrolled in full-time private or public school, regardless of household income. Students must be at least age five by September 1 of the school year they wish to enroll.
As outlined in the income priority guidelines, priority is given to families with a household income of 185% of poverty level or below, renewing students of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and/or Family Empowerment Scholarship, and children in foster care or out-of-home care.
Priority is then extended to families with a household income of 400% of poverty level or below.
Parents who want their students to receive priority funding must submit their income tax return to apply for a PEP scholarship
Thinking about using PEP ESA funds for enrollment at GCPA?
Read through our list of PEP FAQs to see if our program is right for you.
Can my student enroll as a full-time student under the PEP-Scholarship?
GCPA offers part-time courses in grades K-12 for students receiving EMA funds through the Florida PEP scholarship program. Students are not eligible for full-time enrollment under the scholarship.
Does my student attend live classes with a teacher under the PEP-Scholarship?
PEP scholarship courses are taken asynchronously at the student’s pace and are self-guided with no live classes. Families can attend open office hours with their teachers for assistance with courses
The learning plan I have created states that my student needs courses below or above their grade level. Is that possible?
Yes, you can chose any course we offer at any grade level regardless of your student’s age or grade level.
Who is responsible for creating my student’s learning plan under the PEP-Scholarship?
Our courses are provided as a supplement to the parent/legal guardian created Student Learning Plan, as required by the state of Florida for students receiving scholarship funding. The parent/legal guardian is seen as the primary educator of the student and is responsible for ensuring that the student is successful in achieving their learning goals as set forth in the Student Learning Plan. If the parent/legal guardian has further questions about the Student Learning Plan or their responsibilities as an educator, they are encouraged to contact the Step Up for Students customer service line 1-877-735-7837 prior to enrolling at GCPA.
Will we receive a transcript or report card when my student completes a course?
Transcripts and report cards are provided upon request once the student has completed a course.
Do we have to provide our own technology?
The family is responsible for providing the student with a laptop to engage in our courses. For more information about the technical requirements click here.
Does GCPA offer Florida state testing?
GCPA does not offer Florida state testing. It is the families’ responsibility to find a place for their child to test each year according to the scholarship guidelines. Families can reach out to the Step Up for Students customer service line 1-877-735-7837 to learn the process of scheduling state testing.
Are special education courses offered?
Special Education support and classes are not available for part time course purchases at GCPA. Families must secure their own special education services using a Florida based provider. Families can reach out to the Step Up for Students customer service line 1-877-735-7837 to learn the process of obtaining special education services for their student.
Will my student earn a diploma with your school?
Students will not earn a GCPA diploma with the purchase of part time courses. Families can reach out to the Step Up for Students customer service line 1-877-735-7837 to learn the process of earning a diploma through their scholarship program.
How do I ensure we follow the compliance expectations under the PEP-Scholarship?
It is the families’ responsibility to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the Florida Department of Education for participation in the Florida scholarship programs. Families can reach out to the Step Up for Students customer service line 1-877-735-7837 to learn more about the compliance requirements of their scholarship program.
How do I apply for Florida’s PEP?
Families can apply for educational funding through Florida’s PEP by visiting the website below. The application process is managed by the scholarship funding organization “Step Up for Students.”