Last verified: October 2026
What format should an Orlando church school start with?
A common first step is a two- or three-day hybrid on the church campus whose families enroll through PEP, which calls for at least two in-person days and a student learning plan. A five-day school would instead enroll its families through the Private School Scholarship.
The academic core might be the church's own teachers, a licensed curriculum or an online school. American Faith Academy (AmFaith) is a Christian online option that some churches look at.
What does an Orange County school earn per student in scholarship revenue?
With the 2026-27 Orange County K-3 award at $8,420, ten funded students bring in about $84,200 a year before any family contribution; grades 4-8 carry $7,831 and grades 9-12 $7,639. Hybrid tuition set below the award leaves each household room in its account for curriculum and tutoring.
What does a church need to do before enrolling scholarship students?
The school files the annual private school survey with the Florida Department of Education, completes Level 2 background screening, meets health, fire and safety rules, keeps attendance records and registers with Step Up and/or AAA as a scholarship school. A new school posts a surety bond or letter of credit for its first three years, administers an annual norm-referenced test, and gets each enrollment into EMA by the quarterly deadline.
How do existing ministries fit?
Children's programs the church already runs, such as Awana or Upward Sports, can fill the non-academic hours.
Private school vs PEP hybrid vs tutoring program
The table puts the two sides next to each other.
| Model | Funded by | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Registered private school | Private School Scholarship | A full school week |
| PEP hybrid | PEP accounts | At least two full days a week |
| Tutoring program | PEP or FES-UA accounts | Small group under tutor rules |