Florida families exploring education options often hear about Step Up For Students (SUFS), but along with increased awareness comes increased confusion. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) administered through Step Up For Students open doors to flexible, student-centered learning, yet myths and misconceptions can make the process feel more complicated than it needs to be.
Let’s clear things up. Below are some of the most common Florida ESA myths and what parents should actually know instead.
Myth 1: Step Up for Students is Only for Homeschool Families
The truth:
SUFS supports many learning paths, not just homeschooling.
While homeschool families often use ESA funding, these scholarships are also used by families enrolled in private schools, hybrid programs, and accredited online schools. The purpose of Florida’s scholarship programs is to expand educational choice, not limit it to one type of learner.
Families may use approved funds for private school tuition, online education, instructional materials, tutoring, therapies, and enrichment opportunities. The focus is on finding the right fit for your child’s learning style and needs.
Myth 2: Using an ESA Means Parents Must Design the Curriculum
The truth:
Many Step Up for Students-funded learners follow a full, school-led academic program.
Some parents enjoy building a highly customized learning experience, but that is not required to use a Florida ESA. Many approved schools offer complete curricula designed and taught by experienced educators.
In these models, schools manage instruction, pacing, and assessment. Parents choose the school. Teachers handle the teaching. ESAs simply give families the flexibility to select the educational environment that works best for their child.
Myth 3: ESA Funds Can Only Be Used for Tuition
The truth:
Tuition is only one way ESA funds can be used.
Florida ESAs are designed to follow the student. Depending on eligibility and guidelines, funds may be applied toward:
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Private school tuition
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Accredited online courses and programs
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Educational therapies and services
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Curriculum and instructional materials
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Technology, field trips, and enrichment
This flexibility allows families to support both academic growth and individual learning needs through a well-rounded education plan.
Myth 4: Online Schools Are Less Legitimate Step Up for Students Options
The truth:
Accredited online schools are fully approved.
Florida recognizes that meaningful learning can happen beyond a traditional classroom. Online schools that meet accreditation and state requirements are approved ESA vendors.
Optima Academy Online is Cognia-accredited and approved for Florida scholarship use, offering live teacher-led instruction, academic accountability, and immersive learning experiences. Legitimacy is determined by oversight and standards, not physical location.
Myth 5: Florida ESA Programs Are Too Complicated to Manage
The truth:
Most families find the process manageable with the right support.
Much of the confusion around Florida ESAs comes from unfamiliar terminology rather than the day-to-day experience. The state’s scholarship programs are administered by Step Up For Students, which provides parent portals, spending guidelines, and family support resources.
Schools that regularly serve ESA families often help guide parents through enrollment, approved expenses, and ongoing requirements, so families are not navigating the process alone.
Myth 6: Step Up For Students Means Parents Are On Their Own Academically
The truth:
Parent involvement does not mean parent-only instruction.
Unless families choose a fully parent-directed model, many ESA-funded students learn from licensed educators, attend live classes, collaborate with peers, and receive consistent academic feedback.
These scholarships shift who controls educational choice, not who delivers instruction.
What Parents Should Know Instead
Florida ESAs are designed to empower families. They allow parents to choose an education path that fits their child’s learning style, pace, and goals without sacrificing quality or accountability.
Whether your child thrives with live instruction, immersive technology, or a flexible schedule that supports family life, Florida’s scholarship programs are intended to expand opportunity, not add complexity.
The most important step is partnering with a school that understands both the scholarship process and how students learn best.
