Last verified: October 2026
How does the Personalized Education Program (PEP) work for Orange County homeschoolers?
PEP, the homeschool education savings account that some parents call the Florida homeschool voucher, puts $8,420, $7,831 or $7,639 (by grade band, for a child living in Orange County) into an account the parent spends on approved education costs.
The household submits a student learning plan, gives an annual norm-referenced test, and buys through Step Up's catalog, approved providers or reimbursement.
Is PEP open for new Orlando families in 2026-27?
Not now. Step Up's PEP page reports that 2026-27 applications are closed; the deadline for new and renewing students was April 30, 2026.
Step Up offers a sign-up for a notice when 2027-28 applications open, and had not posted those dates when this page was checked. Watch for them in early 2027. A family that wants a school seat this year can turn to the Private School Scholarship, whose new-student window runs to November 15.
Which Orange County schools take PEP students for part-week classes?
The October 28, 2026 listing flags 41 Orange County private schools as PEP participants, largely small academies, microschools and hybrid campuses, and each school page shows the flag.
Because a PEP child may attend only part-time, hybrids fit the rule well: a few days of classes each week and parent-led learning for the remainder.
PEP vs a private school scholarship
The table puts the two sides next to each other.
| PEP | Private School Scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Not in a full-time school; part-time or hybrid allowed | Enrolled full-time in a participating private school |
| Who spends | The parent, through the account | The school, billed through EMA |
| Testing | Annual norm-referenced test and a learning plan | Annual test the school gives |
| 2026-27 status | Applications closed April 30, 2026 | New applications open to November 15, 2026 |