Once your child is awarded a scholarship, funds are deposited into an Education Savings Account managed through EMA (Education Market Assistant). Families select approved providers and pay for services directly through the account.

Firefly Tutors is a Step Up for Students-approved provider, which means families can use scholarship funds toward our one-on-one tutoring services. As a direct pay provider, we handle billing through EMA, so you don't pay out of pocket.

Applications for the 2026-27 school year opened in January 2026. As of April:

• April 30, 2026: priority deadline for FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA, and PEP renewals and new applications
• After April 30: FTC, FES-EO, and FES-UA continue accepting applications until November 15, 2026, reviewed alongside new applicants
• PEP closes April 30: no additional PEP applications are accepted after the priority deadline

Apply early - funding is awarded on a priority basis, and slots fill quickly.

Firefly Tutors works with Florida families to turn Step Up for Students scholarships into meaningful academic support. Every session is one-on-one, matched to your child's learning style, and focused on building confidence and a strong academic foundation.

We offer in-home tutoring, online tutoring, pod tutoring, and homeschool tutoring across all subjects - from phonics and reading to advanced math, writing, science, and test prep. We also support students with IEP-aligned instruction and reading challenges.

Our qualified tutors are vetted, background-checked, and trained to meet each student where they are. One-on-one tutoring nearly doubles learning gains compared to group instruction, making personalized support one of the most impactful ways to use Step Up for Students funds.

All four Step Up for Students scholarships are open to Florida students regardless of household income, but funding is limited and awarded in priority order:

• First priority: students whose household income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or who are in foster care or out-of-home care
• Second priority: students whose household income falls between 185 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level
• Other applicants: students above 400 percent of the federal poverty level are still eligible and funded as resources allow

Active-duty military families with permanent change-of-station orders to Florida are also eligible to apply before relocating.

• Approved Choice Navigator through Step Up for Students
• Direct pay provider - we handle billing through EMA, so families don't pay out of pocket
• Application support - our team guides you through scholarship selection and submission at no cost
• Personalized instruction built around your child's strengths and goals
• Flexible scheduling seven days a week, in-home or online

Progress reports shared with parents after every session