Florida PEP Tutoring: Your Complete Guide to Using Personalized Education Program Funds

Quick Answer:

Florida PEP tutoring uses state-funded scholarships worth approximately $7,800 to $8,500 annually (2025-26 estimates vary by county and grade level) to pay for qualified tutoring services. PEP families can access both part-time tutoring (up to 720-900 hours yearly) and full-time instruction through approved providers, with funds managed through the EMA platform for direct payment or reimbursement.

Introduction

If you’re a Florida parent with a PEP scholarship, you’re holding the keys to transformative educational opportunities for your child. With nearly 60,000 students now participating and funding approaching $8,000 per year, the Personalized Education Program represents one of the largest educational choice initiatives in the nation. But navigating the system to find and fund quality tutoring can feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re transitioning from traditional homeschooling, seeking specialized reading support, or looking to maximize your educational dollars, understanding how to use PEP funds for tutoring is crucial. This guide walks you through everything from qualification requirements to payment processes, helping you make confident decisions about your child’s education.

What is Florida PEP Tutoring?

Florida PEP tutoring refers to educational tutoring services funded through the Personalized Education Program, a state Education Savings Account (ESA) that provides families with public funds to direct their child’s education. Unlike traditional homeschooling, where parents bear all costs, PEP provides substantial financial support while maintaining parental control over educational choices.

The program launched in 2023 as part of Florida’s expanded school choice initiatives, serving K-12 students who aren’t enrolled full-time in public or private schools. This distinction matters because PEP students are classified separately from traditional homeschoolers under Florida law. Instead, they occupy a unique category with specific requirements and opportunities.

As of the 2025-26 school year, PEP serves approximately 60,000 students with projections to reach 100,000 by 2025-26, PEP has quickly become the largest ESA program supporting homeschool-style education in the country. The program specifically allows families to use state funds for various educational services, with tutoring being one of the most popular and impactful choices.

Understanding PEP Scholarship Amounts and Eligibility

The 2025-26 school year brings PEP scholarships worth approximately $7,800 per student, though amounts vary by county and grade level. Some Florida counties receive higher allocations, with scholarships ranging from $7,462 to $8,917. These funds are distributed quarterly throughout the school year, giving families consistent access to educational resources.

Eligibility for PEP is remarkably inclusive. Any Florida K-12 resident not enrolled full-time in public or private school can apply, regardless of household income. Students must be at least 5 years old by September 1st of the enrollment year.

Priority Categories for PEP Acceptance:

• First Priority: Families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
• Second Priority: Renewal students from other Florida scholarship programs
• Third Priority: Children in foster care or out-of-home care
• Fourth Priority: Families at or below 400% of the poverty level
• Final Consideration: All other eligible families (space permitting)

The application window for 2025-26 closed on April 30, 2025, meaning new families must wait until the next cycle opens. This timeline makes planning essential, as missing the window means waiting an entire year for another opportunity.

How PEP Funds Can Be Used for Tutoring

PEP scholarships offer remarkable flexibility in how families can apply funds toward tutoring services. The program recognizes two distinct categories of tutoring, each with specific requirements and limitations that shape how families structure their child’s education.

Part-time tutoring serves families who want supplemental instruction while maintaining primary teaching responsibility. This translates to roughly 20-25 hours weekly if spread across a traditional school year, enough for substantial academic support without replacing parental instruction.

Full-time tutoring operates differently, essentially fulfilling Florida’s compulsory attendance requirements through professional instruction. These tutors take primary responsibility for the child’s education and must maintain detailed attendance records.

Payment Options for PEP Tutoring:

• Direct Pay Providers: Receive funds straight from your PEP account (no upfront costs)
• Reimbursement Method: Pay tutors directly, then submit receipts for repayment
• MyScholarShop: Purchase pre-approved services through the integrated marketplace

PEP Tutor Qualification Requirements

Understanding tutor qualifications helps families make informed choices and ensures compliance with PEP requirements. The program maintains different standards for part-time versus full-time tutors, reflecting their varying responsibilities in a child’s education.

Part-Time Tutor Qualifications (must meet ONE):

• Valid Florida educator’s certificate
• Adjunct teaching certificate
• Valid professional teaching certificate from another state
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in their subject area
• Certification from nationally recognized training programs:
  • Orton-Gillingham
  • Barton Reading System
  • Wilson Reading System
  • Montessori certification
  • Other approved research-based programs

Full-Time Tutor Requirements:

• Current, valid Florida teaching certificate for specific subjects/grade levels
• Annual W-9 filing with scholarship funding organization
• Detailed attendance record maintenance
• Compliance with all reporting requirements

These programs particularly benefit students with learning differences or those needing specialized reading instruction. Full-time tutors face stricter requirements because they serve as primary educators responsible for meeting state educational requirements.

Navigating the PEP Application Process

Successfully enrolling in PEP requires careful attention to multiple steps and requirements. Following the correct sequence prevents delays and ensures smooth approval.

Step-by-Step PEP Application Process:

1. Withdraw from current home education program (if applicable)
   • Must formally notify your school district
   • Cannot participate in both programs simultaneously
2. Create an Education Market Assistant (EMA) account
   • Visit the EMA website
   • Set up parent/guardian profile
   • Add each eligible student
3. Gather required documentation
   • Proof of Florida residency
   • Student birth certificates
   • Income documentation (for priority consideration)
4. Apply through scholarship funding organization
   • Step Up For Students (primary provider)
   • AAA Scholarships (alternative option)
   • Submit all required information
5. Complete Student Learning Plan
   • Multiple-choice questionnaire
   • Outline educational priorities
   • Identify needed services
6. Wait for approval
   • Typically, 4-8 weeks processing time
   • Check email regularly for updates
   • Respond promptly to any requests
7. Access funds and begin services
   • Quarterly fund distribution
   • Start purchasing approved services
   • Maintain compliance throughout the year

Managing PEP Tutoring Payments

The Education Market Assistant (EMA) platform controls all PEP financial transactions, making familiarity with this system essential for smooth operations. The platform offers multiple payment pathways, each with distinct advantages and challenges families should understand before committing to tutoring arrangements.

Direct Pay Provider Advantages:

• No upfront costs for families
• Instant payment processing
• Reduced financial stress
• Simplified documentation
• Examples: Firefly Tutors, Math-A-Matics

Reimbursement Process Requirements:

• Submit detailed receipts including:
  • Dates of service
  • Hours provided
  • Hourly rates
  • Tutor credentials
  • Service description
• Maintain copies of all documentation
• Track submission dates
• Follow up on delayed payments

Parents report reimbursement times varying wildly, from weeks to several months, creating cash flow challenges for budget-conscious families. MyScholarShop, the EMA’s integrated marketplace, provides a third option for some tutoring services with pre-approved providers.

Tracking expenditures becomes crucial as the year progresses. The EMA dashboard shows remaining balances and transaction history, but families should maintain independent records. Some parents create spreadsheets tracking planned versus actual expenses, helping maximize their scholarship value while avoiding year-end surprises.

Annual Testing and Compliance for PEP Students

PEP participation requires annual standardized testing, though the stakes differ significantly from traditional public school assessments. Students must take a Florida Department of Education-approved nationally norm-referenced test, with results submitted to their scholarship funding organization by the specified deadline.

Approved Annual Assessments:

• NWEA MAP Growth
• Classic Learning Test (CLT)
• Iowa Assessments (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills)
• Stanford Achievement Test
• TerraNova Assessment Series
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
• Other state-approved norm-referenced tests

The testing requirement serves program evaluation purposes rather than individual pass/fail determinations. Your child won’t lose scholarship eligibility based on scores, removing the high-stakes pressure often associated with standardized testing.

Testing Logistics and Costs:

• Cost range: $50-$150 (payable with PEP funds)
• Testing options: Online, testing centers, or group sessions
• Timing: Typically spring, but varies by provider
• Results: Submitted directly to the scholarship organization

Beyond testing, maintaining good standing requires keeping your Student Learning Plan current and ensuring all purchases align with approved categories. While compliance might feel burdensome, most families find the requirements manageable once they establish routines and understand expectations.

Maximizing Your PEP Tutoring Investment

Strategic planning helps families extract maximum value from their PEP scholarships while ensuring comprehensive educational coverage. With roughly $7,800 annually, careful budgeting becomes essential to meet all educational needs throughout the year.

Budget Planning Strategies:

Start by calculating core tutoring costs based on your chosen approach. If pursuing intensive reading support at $50 per hour for three weekly sessions, you’re looking at $6,000 annually, leaving $1,800 for additional resources.

Sample Budget Allocations:

• Intensive Single-Subject Focus:
  • Reading tutoring (3x weekly): $6,000
  • Educational materials: $1,000
  • Testing and assessments: $200
  • Field trips/enrichment: $600
• Balanced Multi-Subject Approach:
  • Math tutoring (2x weekly): $3,500
  • Reading support (2x weekly): $3,500
  • Educational supplies: $500
  • Annual testing: $300

Consider seasonal variations in your planning. Many families front-load tutoring during traditional school months, then reduce summer hours to stretch funds. Others maintain consistent year-round schedules, viewing summer as crucial for preventing learning loss.

Documentation Best Practices:

• Maintain a dedicated PEP folder (physical or digital)
• Save all receipts and correspondence
• Track student progress and session notes
• Document tutor credentials and qualifications
• Create monthly expenditure summaries
• Note educational outcomes and improvements

Common PEP Tutoring Challenges and Solutions

While PEP offers tremendous opportunities, families consistently report several challenges that can disrupt educational plans. Understanding these common issues and their solutions helps you navigate obstacles more effectively.

Building relationships with other PEP families provides invaluable support and early warning about systemic issues. Facebook groups dedicated to Florida PEP families offer real-time advice and troubleshooting assistance from experienced participants.

Online Tutoring: The Smart Choice for PEP Families

Online tutoring emerges as a particularly effective option for PEP families, addressing many common challenges while maximizing educational impact. The format’s inherent advantages align well with the needs of families navigating educational choice programs.

Key Benefits of Online Tutoring for PEP:

• Convenience: No transportation time or costs
• Consistency: Sessions continue regardless of weather or logistics
• Expanded Options: Access to specialized expertise statewide
• Professional Boundaries: Clear educational relationships
• Documentation: Sessions can be recorded for review
• Flexibility: Easy scheduling around family commitments
• Safety: Learning from the home environment

Online tutors maintain regular schedules regardless of external challenges that might cancel in-person sessions. This reliability helps children develop routines and maintain progress momentum throughout the year.

The expanded provider pool available online increases your chances of finding specialized expertise. Whether your child needs Orton-Gillingham reading instruction, advanced math challenges, or support for learning differences, online platforms connect you with qualified tutors regardless of geographic limitations. Consider exploring online reading instruction options that meet PEP requirements.

FAQs About Florida PEP Tutoring

Can PEP funds cover full-time tutoring?
Yes, PEP funds can pay for full-time tutoring that meets compulsory attendance requirements. Full-time tutors must hold valid Florida teaching certificates and provide 720 hours annually for grades K-3 or 900 hours for grades 4-12.

How many tutoring hours are allowed?
Part-time tutoring limits are 720 hours yearly for grades K-3 and 900 hours for grades 4-12. Full-time tutoring must meet these same minimums but has no maximum limit beyond available funding.

What happens if my tutor isn’t approved?
Using non-qualified tutors risks reimbursement denial and potential scholarship termination. Always verify tutor credentials before beginning services and maintain documentation of their qualifications.

Can I use multiple tutoring providers?
Yes, families can engage multiple tutors for different subjects or needs. Many families combine specialized reading tutoring with separate math support, maximizing expertise for each subject area.

Do PEP students have to take state tests?
PEP students must take an annual nationally norm-referenced assessment from the approved list. However, there’s no minimum score requirement, and results won’t affect scholarship eligibility.

How long does reimbursement take?
Reimbursement timeframes vary significantly, with families reporting anywhere from several weeks to multiple months. Plan accordingly and consider direct pay providers to avoid cash flow issues.

Can grandparents pay and get reimbursed?
The account holder (usually the parent) must submit reimbursements. However, grandparents can pay providers directly as a gift, with parents then seeking reimbursement through their EMA account.

Is online tutoring covered by PEP?
Yes, online tutoring is fully covered when provided by qualified tutors meeting PEP requirements. Many families find online tutoring offers better availability and specialized expertise.

Key Takeaways

Florida’s PEP program offers unprecedented educational funding opportunities, with $7,800-$8,500 annually available for tutoring and other educational services. Success requires understanding the system’s requirements while navigating its complexities strategically.

Essential Points to Remember:

• Qualified tutoring transforms educational outcomes when properly funded through PEP
• Online tutoring offers convenience, consistency, and expanded expertise access
• Direct pay providers eliminate upfront costs and reimbursement delays
• Annual testing is required, but non-punitive
• Documentation and compliance ensure continued funding
• Parent support groups provide invaluable guidance

Despite administrative challenges and processing delays, thousands of Florida families successfully use PEP funds to provide professional tutoring to their children. With careful planning, thorough documentation, and strategic provider selection, you can maximize your scholarship’s impact.

Your Action Steps:

1. Evaluate your child’s specific tutoring needs
2. Research qualified providers (especially direct pay options)
3. Create a budget allocation plan
4. Join Florida PEP parent support groups
5. Prepare for the next application cycle if not enrolled

Remember that PEP represents more than funding; it’s an opportunity to customize your child’s education with professional support previously available only to families with significant resources. By understanding the system and making informed choices, you’re positioning your child for academic success while maintaining the flexibility that drew you to educational choice.

Ready to explore how PEP funds can support your child’s reading journey? Savvy Learning offers certified online tutoring that meets all PEP requirements, with proven methods that help K-6 students build confidence and skills. Schedule your free assessment today to discover how our high-dosage tutoring approach can maximize your PEP investment.

Cailin Sandvig Head of Marketing

Cailin Sandvig is the co-founder of SchoolChoiceFunding.com and Head of Marketing at Savvy Learning. She’s a veteran EdTech leader with experience at Outschool, Age of Learning, and Homeschool Buyers Club, helping families navigate ESAs and school choice funding to find the right educational fit.

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