Update: More than 300,000 students apply for Florida education choice scholarships

Updated Feb. 10, 2026

Record breaking interest continues with more than 300,000 students who have applied for Florida’s K-12 education choice scholarships for the 2026-27 school year. 

Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that administers 98% of the state’s scholarships, opened applications for the 2026-27 school year on Feb. 1.  A record 200,000 applied during the first three days.   

By mid-day Feb. 10, a total of 300,106 students had applied for scholarships, which represents an 11.7% increase over the same 10-day period last year.  

Step Up For Students CEO Gretchen Schoenhaar said last week that the organization’s team and systems were ready for the surge of interest.  Step Up’s technology systems processed 15% more applications on the first day this year than at the same time last year. Of the families who called for assistance, more than 90% reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the support they received.

“Another record number of applications on our opening weekend shows that Florida families increasingly value options in their children’s education,” Schoenhaar said. “Step Up For Students smoothly processed the higher demand and is prepared to support families every step of the way.”  

During the 25-26 school year, more than 525,000 students have been funded on Florida’s K-12 scholarship programs to access learning options of their choice. If these students were counted as a single school district, it would be the largest in the state and third largest in the country. That makes Florida the national leader in education options.   

However, not all students whose families apply end up being awarded or funded. 

Step Up is focused on supporting growth. By the end of the year, Step Up expects to process 3 million reimbursements and a total of 3 million  MyScholarShop e-commerce transactions.  

Current scholarship families have until April 30 to renew their scholarships for the next school year. All families who want a PEP scholarship must also apply by April 30.  

Private School and Unique Abilities Scholarship applications will be available through Nov. 15 for families who want a new scholarship.

Applications and more details are available here.  

We will continue to update the numbers in this post until applications close.