Many parents of children with special needs in Florida are doing their best, but feel like they’re navigating the education system blindfolded.
At Mainspring Academy, we often meet families who arrive for a school tour unsure of how scholarships work, what their child’s Matrix score means, or that they have a voice in shaping their child’s educational plan. Some say they’ve never even been to their child’s IEP meetings. Others express:
“I wish someone had explained this from the beginning.”
Here is an article that breaks it down clearly, simply, and with you in mind.
What Is the FES-UA Scholarship?
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is a state-funded program from Step Up for Students that helps eligible Florida students with disabilities access private school education, therapies, and related supports.
If your child has a qualifying diagnosis and an active IEP or 504 Plan, they may qualify. Scholarship amounts vary by district and are based on the student’s Matrix score, (which ranges from 251–255). If you do not see the pages titled “Matrix of Services” pages towards the end of your child’s IEP document, you may only have a draft or addendum copy. Ask your child’s school for the finalized copy.
Funding amounts for FES-UA change every school year. For the 2024–25 school year:
- Students with Matrix Levels 251–253 received between $9,300 and $13,300
- Students with Matrix Level 254 received $21,800 to $26,200
- Students with Matrix Level 255 qualified for $34,000 to nearly $39,000, depending on grade level and county
(Florida Department of Education, 2024)
Note: If your child has a documented diagnosis but no formal Matrix score, they will receive the base Level 251–253 funding amount.
What Is a Matrix Score, and Why Does It Matter?
The Matrix of Services is used to determine the level of support a student with an IEP receives in public school. But it also affects how much funding a child receives under the FES-UA scholarship if they transition to a private school.
- The Matrix score ranges from 251 to 255
- Many parents have no idea their child even has a Matrix score
Tip: You have the right to request your child’s Matrix score and even challenge it if you believe the level of need is inaccurately represented (Florida DOE, 2023).
Do Parents Have a Say in the IEP? Absolutely.
IEPs should be collaborative, not dictated. Federal law requires that parents be part of the IEP team, but too often, parents feel unheard or excluded.
At Mainspring Academy, we often hear from families who:
- Were told “this is just what the school can offer”
- Didn’t receive copies of the IEP
- Weren’t included in setting functional goals
That’s not how it’s supposed to work.
In fact, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees parents the right to:
- Be equal partners in IEP meetings
- Review and request changes to the IEP
- Advocate for goals that reflect their child’s needs, not just district resources
Private schools like Mainspring may not fall under IDEA in the same way public schools do, but we mirror the process through our own Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), and parent input drives everything.
“I Wish Someone Had Told Me This”
We hear it often, and that’s why advocacy and education are part of every tour at Mainspring.
Because the better informed parents are, the better they can advocate – not just for school choice, but for meaningful educational progress.
Need Help Navigating It All? Consider a Professional Advocate.
If the IEP process, Matrix scores, or scholarship paperwork feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many Florida parents choose to work with a special education advocate to help them understand their child’s rights, ensure their needs are fully represented, and prepare for school meetings.
Advocates can:
- Help interpret IEPs and Matrix scores
- Attend meetings with you
- Support FES-UA funding appeals or school transitions
Ask us for some local advocate referrals during your child’s tour and we’ll be happy to share!
An experienced advocate can help you feel confident, informed, and supported because no parent should have to navigate this system alone.
What Florida Parents Can Do Today
- Apply for the FES-UA Scholarship through Step Up for Students or AAA
- Request a copy of your child’s IEP and Matrix score from the public school
- Know your rights to participate in and shape the IEP or ILP
- Tour private schools that prioritize individualized instruction and parent collaboration
Touring a private special education school?
Ask about planning processes, embedded therapies, class sizes, and how your voice fits into the team.
Schedule a tour at Mainspring Academy today.
We’ll take the time to explain, advocate, and help you understand what options are available for your child.
References
Florida Department of Education. (2023). Matrix of Services Handbook. https://www.fldoe.org
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (2004). https://sites.ed.gov/idea
Step Up For Students. (2024). FES-UA Scholarship Overview. https://www.stepupforstudents.org
