Florida's personalized education program offers scholarships for 100000 students

The Putnam School Board recently discussed the Personalized Education Program (PEP), a scholarship initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities for Florida students not enrolled in traditional public or private schools. This program, managed by Step Up for Students, is designed for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, regardless of income, and is set to benefit up to 100,000 students in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of the PEP program, which allows families to access educational savings accounts. These accounts function like bank accounts, enabling families to use funds for various educational services, including classes offered by public schools or school districts. The application period for the scholarships has closed, with the state currently in the process of awarding them.

Families interested in the PEP scholarship must follow specific procedures. After accepting the scholarship, they are required to withdraw their child from any current public or private school and terminate their home education registration with the school district. A form available on the district's website must then be completed to request services.

The board also highlighted the monitoring process for PEP students, which includes submitting a student learning plan and taking annual norm-referenced tests. This structured approach aims to ensure that students receive the necessary support and resources to succeed in their educational journey.

As the board moves forward, the PEP program represents a significant step in expanding educational choices for families in Putnam County, reflecting a commitment to personalized learning and support for diverse student needs.