Florida Scholarship Programs
Step Up for Students
Florida's leading scholarship program helping families access the education that's right for their child — including faith-based and private schools like AOI.
About the Program
Tuition Assistance That Opens Doors
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit scholarship funding organization that administers multiple Florida scholarship programs. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition at Air of Imagination Academy, making our Christ-centered, arts-enriched education accessible to more families across Florida.
Available Scholarships
Four Programs, One Goal
Florida offers multiple scholarship pathways. Most families qualify for at least one.
Family Empowerment Scholarship
for Students with Unique Abilities
Designed for students with disabilities or special needs, this scholarship provides funding for specialized instruction, therapies, and private school tuition.
Funding
Up to $10,000+
Eligibility
Students with an IEP or diagnosed disability
Family Empowerment Scholarship
for Educational Options
An income-based scholarship for families who want to choose the school that best fits their child's needs, regardless of their assigned public school.
Funding
Up to $8,000+
Eligibility
Income-qualifying families (up to 400% federal poverty level)
Reading Scholarship Accounts
for K–5 Reading Support
Provides funding for tutoring, instructional materials, and supplemental reading programs for students in kindergarten through 5th grade who are reading below grade level.
Funding
Up to $500–$1,000
Eligibility
K–5 students reading below grade level
Hope Scholarship
for Bullied or Unsafe Students
Provides an immediate option for public school students who have experienced bullying, violence, or harassment to transfer to a private school of their choice.
Funding
Up to $7,000+
Eligibility
Public school students who experienced bullying or violence
Simple Process
How to Get Started
Check Eligibility
Visit the Step Up For Students website to confirm your child qualifies for one or more scholarship programs based on income, disability status, or school situation.
Apply for the Scholarship
Complete your application at stepupforstudents.org. The process is free and typically takes 15–30 minutes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Choose AOI as Your School
Once approved, select Air of Imagination Academy as your scholarship-receiving school. Our admissions team will guide you through the enrollment process.
Enroll & Start Learning
Complete AOI's enrollment paperwork, attend orientation, and your child begins their journey of faith, arts, and academic excellence.
Qualification Criteria
Who Qualifies?
Most Florida families with school-age children qualify for at least one scholarship program. Here are the primary eligibility criteria:
Check eligibility at stepupforstudents.orgFlorida Resident
Your child must be a Florida resident and eligible to enroll in a Florida public school.
Income-Based (FES-EO)
Household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level — approximately $120,000 for a family of four.
Special Needs (FES-UA)
Student has an active IEP, 504 plan, or qualifying diagnosis such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or other documented disability.
Reading Below Grade Level (RSA)
Student in grades K–5 has been identified as reading below grade level by their current school or a qualified evaluator.
Bullying or Safety Concern (Hope)
Student currently enrolled in a Florida public school has experienced a documented incident of bullying, violence, or harassment.
Entering Kindergarten
Incoming kindergarteners are eligible for the FES-EO scholarship regardless of prior school enrollment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Make AOI Affordable?
Our admissions team will personally guide you through the scholarship application process — at no cost to you.