Step Up For Students runs several different scholarships, and only some can fund ballet lessons. Here is a plain-English breakdown of FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA, and PEP — and which one fits your family.
One of the most confusing things about Step Up For Students is that it is not a single scholarship — it is an umbrella for several different programs, each with its own rules. If your goal is to pay for ballet classes, it helps enormously to know which program to apply for. Here is the plain-English version.
The Four Programs at a Glance
| Program | Who It’s For | Good for Ballet? |
|---|---|---|
| FTC / FES-EO | K–12 students, built around attending an eligible private school (universal eligibility since 2023 — no income cap) | Generally no — these center on private-school tuition |
| FES-UA | Students ages 3–grade 12 with a qualifying diagnosis or disability | Yes — a flexible ESA that can fund specialized arts instruction |
| PEP | Students not enrolled full-time in public school and not in a registered home-education program | Yes — explicitly covers enrichment like lessons, arts, and sports |
FTC and FES-EO: The Private-School Scholarships
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) are the best-known Step Up scholarships. Since Florida made them universally available in 2023 — with no income limit — many more families qualify. However, these programs are designed around a student attending an eligible private school, and their non-tuition spending is comparatively limited. For a family that simply wants to pay for outside ballet lessons, these usually are not the right vehicle.
PEP: The Enrichment-Friendly ESA
The Personalized Education Program (PEP) is the program most relevant to families pursuing ballet as part of a parent-directed education. PEP is an education savings account for students who are not enrolled full-time in public school and not in a registered Florida home-education program. Its eligible expenses explicitly include enrichment and elective activities — music lessons, art classes, sports, and, yes, dance instruction through approved providers.
FES-UA: For Students with Unique Abilities
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), formerly known as Gardiner, serves students with one of roughly two dozen qualifying diagnoses. It is one of the most flexible ESAs, and its funds can be used for a wide range of approved services — including specialized arts and dance instruction that supports the student’s development. If your child has a qualifying diagnosis, this program is worth exploring.
Still Not Sure?
Eligibility is ultimately determined by Step Up For Students and the State of Florida, so the definitive answer always comes from stepupforstudents.org. Once you know your program, see how to apply and how payment works. And of course, our team is happy to help — learn more here.
Questions About Using Step Up at BBA?
We’re happy to point you in the right direction. Contact Brevard Ballet Academy in Melbourne, FL.
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