New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

The New Worlds Scholarship Accounts program provides financial support for eligible VPK and K-5 students to improve their reading and math skills through qualified tutoring services.

Eligibility Requirements

Effective July 1, 2024, the New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program expanded eligibility to include:

• VPK students who are not making age-appropriate progress according to state assessments

• K-5 public school students who:

  • Have a substantial deficiency in either reading or mathematics

  • Exhibit characteristics of dyslexia or dyscalculia

  • Scored below a Level 3 on the most recent statewide, standardized English Language Arts (ELA) or Mathematics assessment

  • For VPK students enrolled in public school or private school programs, exhibit a substantial deficiency in early literacy skills based on the most recent progress monitoring results

Priority is given to eligible students who are classified as English Language Learners and enrolled in programs or receiving services designed to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learner students.

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship is worth $1,200 per eligible student. This amount can make a significant difference in providing quality tutoring services for your child.

Approved Uses

Dollars from this scholarship must be used in ways that improve reading and/or math skills, including:

• Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring provided by qualified individuals who:

  • Hold a valid Florida educator's certificate

  • Have a baccalaureate or graduate degree in Reading, Math, Elementary Education, English Education, or Math Education

  • Hold an adjunct teaching certificate

  • Have demonstrated mastery of the subject area knowledge

• Fees for summer education programs designed to improve reading or math skills

• Fees for after-school education programs designed to improve reading or math skills

• Instructional materials, including:

  • Desktop and laptop computers

  • Tablets

  • Curriculum related to reading or math

Application Process

1. Sign up to be notified when 2025-26 applications open

2. Apply for the scholarship through Step Up For Students EMA (Education Market Assistant)

3. If approved, Step Up For Students will notify families when ESA funds are available

4. Log into the EMA portal to find pre-approved services and products

5. Payments to providers and vendors can be made directly from the ESA

Important Notes

• Starting in the 2024-25 school year, families will no longer have to submit reimbursement claims for educational expenses in compliance with Florida Statute

• Pre-approved services and products are available through Step Up For Students' Education Market Assistant (EMA) marketplace where families can use their scholarship dollars directly without having to pay out of pocket

• Applications for the 2024-25 school year are no longer being accepted

• Florida law prohibits applying for more than one FTC or FES scholarship at a time for an individual student

Why Choose Villa Preparatory Academy

Villa Preparatory Academy is an approved provider for the New Worlds Scholarship Accounts program. Our qualified tutors specialize in reading and math instruction, making us an ideal partner for families using this scholarship.

We work directly with Step Up For Students to make the process seamless for parents. Our tutoring services align perfectly with the scholarship's focus on improving reading and math skills.