As a parent considering Christian education for your child, one of the most significant concerns you may have is affordability. Many families desire faith-based learning environments but worry about managing tuition alongside other household expenses. Fortunately, Florida leads the nation in educational choice programs that make private Christian education more accessible than ever before. At Johnson Academy, we're committed to helping families navigate these options to make quality Christian education a reality for their children.

This guide will walk you through Florida's school choice landscape, with special attention to how these programs can help make Christian education at Johnson Academy an affordable option for your family.

Florida's School Choice Landscape: A National Leader

Florida has established itself as a pioneer in educational choice, creating pathways for families to select the learning environment that best meets their children's needs. This commitment to educational freedom has resulted in one of the most comprehensive school choice frameworks in the United States.

Evolution of School Choice in Florida

The landscape of educational choice in Florida has evolved significantly over the past two decades. In 2023, Florida took bold steps to expand school choice through the passage of HB 1, which removed income eligibility requirements for many scholarship programs and increased the number of available scholarships. This legislative action reflects Florida's ongoing commitment to empowering parents as the primary decision-makers in their children's education.

Current School Choice Programs

Florida's educational choice ecosystem includes several key programs:

• Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program - Funded through corporate tax contributions
• Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) - State-funded program with two components: Educational Opportunity (FES-EO) and Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
• Hope Scholarship - For students who have experienced bullying or harassment
• Reading Scholarship - Additional support for struggling readers

Step-Up Scholarships Explained: Opening Doors to Christian Education

The Step Up For Students organization serves as the primary administrator for most of Florida's scholarship programs. While "Step-Up Scholarship" is often used as an umbrella term, it actually encompasses several specific scholarship programs managed by this organization.

How Step-Up Scholarships Work

Step Up For Students is a state-approved scholarship funding organization (SFO) that administers multiple scholarship programs. These scholarships provide financial assistance to eligible families, allowing them to choose from participating private schools, including Christian schools like Johnson Academy.

The funding for these scholarships comes from two primary sources:

1. Corporate tax credits (for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship)
2. Direct state funding (for the Family Empowerment Scholarship)

When approved, scholarships are awarded directly to the school on behalf of your child, reducing your out-of-pocket tuition expenses significantly. For many families at Johnson Academy, these scholarships make the difference between choosing public school by default and being able to select a Christ-centered educational environment that aligns with their values.

Types of Scholarships Administered by Step Up For Students

Step Up For Students manages several key scholarship programs that can be applied toward tuition at Johnson Academy:

Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship This scholarship is funded through corporate tax contributions and was the original "Step-Up Scholarship." Corporations receive tax credits for donating to the scholarship fund, which then provides tuition assistance to eligible students from lower-income families.

Family Empowerment Scholarship - Educational Opportunity (FES-EO) The FES-EO program expands eligibility beyond the FTC program and is funded directly by the state. Recent legislative changes have significantly broadened access to this scholarship.

Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities (FES-UA) Formerly known as the Gardiner Scholarship, this program serves students with specific disabilities, providing funds that can be used for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, therapies, and specialized services.

At Johnson Academy, we welcome students on all these scholarship programs, making our Christ-centered education accessible to diverse families throughout the Kissimmee area.

Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?

Understanding eligibility requirements is crucial when considering scholarship options for Christian education. Recent legislative changes have expanded eligibility, making these programs accessible to more Florida families than in previous years.

Income Qualifications

Income requirements vary by program, but recent expansions have broadened eligibility considerably:

• Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship - Prioritizes lower-income families but has expanded income thresholds
• Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO) - Following recent legislation, eligibility has expanded significantly, with some scholarship opportunities now available regardless of household income

For middle-income families considering Johnson Academy, these expanded eligibility guidelines have made Christian education much more accessible. Many families who previously wouldn't have qualified now find themselves eligible for substantial tuition assistance.

Student Eligibility Factors

Beyond income considerations, student eligibility depends on several factors:

• Florida residency (documentation required)
• Age/grade requirements (generally K-12, with some programs serving younger children)
• Prior public school attendance (required for some programs, but with notable exceptions)
• Special circumstances (such as foster care, military families, or students with specific disabilities)

Application Timing Considerations

Timing is critical when applying for scholarships. Funds are typically distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. At Johnson Academy, we encourage families to:

• Apply as early as possible when application periods open
• Complete all required documentation promptly
• Maintain communication with both Step Up For Students and our admissions team throughout the process

Families interested in Johnson Academy for the 2025-2026 school year should begin exploring scholarship options immediately, as many application periods for the upcoming academic year will open in early 2025.

Application Process: Navigating the Path to Funding

Securing scholarship funding requires following specific steps and meeting key deadlines. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the application process effectively.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Determine which scholarship program best fits your family situation Consider your income, your child's educational needs, and other qualifying factors to identify the most appropriate program.
2. Create an account on the Step Up For Students website Visit stepupforstudents.org to begin the process.
3. Complete the online application during the appropriate application period Be prepared to provide detailed household information, including income verification.
4. Submit all required documentation This typically includes proof of Florida residency, income verification, and student eligibility documentation.
5. Await application processing and approval notification Processing times vary but typically take several weeks.
6. Upon approval, complete school enrollment process Contact Johnson Academy's admissions team to complete the enrollment process and apply your scholarship.
7. Maintain eligibility through required renewals and updates Most scholarships require annual renewal and ongoing compliance with program requirements.

Required Documentation

Be prepared to provide:

• Proof of Florida residency (driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement)
• Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs, benefits statements)
• Birth certificates or legal guardianship documentation for children
• Previous school records (if applicable)
• Documentation of special circumstances (for applicable programs)

Important Deadlines

While specific deadlines vary by program and change annually, here's a general timeline to consider:

• January-February: Application periods typically open for the following school year
• March-April: Priority application deadlines for many programs
• May-June: Initial award notifications
• July-August: Final enrollment decisions and school registration
• Throughout the year: Waitlist applications and special circumstance considerations

At Johnson Academy, our admissions team works closely with families to ensure timely application submission and processing. We recommend contacting our office early in your educational decision-making process to receive personalized guidance through the scholarship application journey.

Beyond Step-Up: Other Florida Scholarship Options

While Step Up For Students administers many of Florida's scholarship programs, additional options exist that can help make Christian education at Johnson Academy affordable for your family.

Additional State-Sponsored Programs

Hope Scholarship This program provides an option for students who have experienced bullying or harassment in public schools to transfer to a private school. The scholarship is administered by Step Up For Students but has specific qualifying criteria related to documented incidents.

Reading Scholarship Accounts These supplemental funds support struggling readers in grades 3-5 who scored below proficient on state reading assessments. While these funds cannot be used directly for tuition, they can offset educational expenses, freeing up family resources for tuition payments.

New Worlds Reading Initiative This program provides free books to elementary students reading below grade level. While not a tuition scholarship, it provides valuable resources that complement Johnson Academy's strong literacy focus.

School-Based Financial Assistance

Beyond state-sponsored programs, Johnson Academy is committed to making Christian education accessible through additional financial support options. While we encourage all families to explore state scholarship opportunities first, we understand that some families may need additional assistance.

As a new school opening in 2025, Johnson Academy is establishing financial aid programs to supplement state scholarships. Families are encouraged to discuss their specific financial situations with our admissions team to explore all available options.

Making Christian Education Affordable at Johnson Academy

At Johnson Academy, we believe that financial considerations should not be the determining factor in whether your child receives a quality Christian education. Our approach to affordability combines state scholarship opportunities with flexible payment options and a commitment to delivering exceptional educational value.

Scholarship Application Support

Our admissions team provides personalized support throughout the scholarship application process:

• Guidance on program selection based on your family's unique circumstances
• Application assistance and document review
• Follow-up communication with scholarship organizations
• Coordination between scholarship funding and tuition payments

For many families at Johnson Academy, combining different types of financial assistance creates a comprehensive solution that makes Christian education surprisingly affordable.

Value Proposition of Christian Education

When considering the investment in Christian education, many families focus primarily on tuition costs. However, the true value proposition extends far beyond the financial component:

• Faith integration that reinforces values taught at home
• Strong academic foundations with individualized attention
• Character development and leadership opportunities
• Supportive community of like-minded families
• Preparation for success in higher education and beyond

For the Wilson family (a typical Johnson Academy family), the decision to invest in Christian education wasn't just about academics—it was about partnering with a school that would reinforce their family's values while providing excellence in education. Through Florida's scholarship programs, what initially seemed financially challenging became an attainable goal.

Common Questions and Misconceptions on Private Christian Financial Aid

1. Are scholarship amounts enough to cover full tuition at Christian schools?

In many cases, scholarships cover a significant portion of tuition at Johnson Academy, though rarely 100%. The specific amount depends on the scholarship program, your family's circumstances, and the grade level of your child. Most families combine scholarship funding with manageable monthly payments to cover the difference.

2. Will accepting a scholarship limit my school choices?

Not all private schools accept all scholarship types. Johnson Academy has been approved to accept all major Florida scholarship programs, giving families maximum flexibility. Always confirm with our admissions team which scholarships we currently accept.

3. Do scholarships require my child to take state assessments?

Some scholarship programs do require participating students to take nationally standardized tests, though not necessarily the same assessments used in public schools. Johnson Academy incorporates appropriate assessment measures that satisfy scholarship requirements while maintaining our educational philosophy.

4. Can my child receive multiple scholarships simultaneously?

Generally, students may not receive multiple state scholarships for the same expenses. However, families can often combine state scholarships with school-based financial aid or other private scholarships. Our admissions team can help you navigate these combinations effectively.

5. If we don't qualify for a scholarship now, can we apply later?

Yes! Scholarship eligibility can change based on family circumstances, legislative updates, and funding availability. We encourage families to reapply if their situation changes or if they were previously waitlisted.

Taking the Next Step Toward Affordable Christian Education

Florida's robust school choice programs have made quality Christian education more accessible than ever before. At Johnson Academy, we're committed to helping Kissimmee families navigate these options to find the path that works best for their children and their budgets.

We invite you to contact Johnson Academy today to explore how Florida's scholarship programs can help make Christian education a reality for your family. Our admissions team is ready to provide personalized guidance through both the scholarship application process and our school enrollment procedures. Together, we can find a path forward that honors your educational priorities and respects your family's financial realities.