What is Odyssey in Florida education?

Odyssey refers to education savings account programs and platforms in Florida's school choice system. Exact features depend on your scholarship or ESA program year.

Is Odyssey the same as Step Up?

They are related parts of Florida's choice ecosystem but not identical. Step Up administers scholarships; Odyssey may manage certain account or savings functions depending on program.

Can Odyssey funds buy homeschool curriculum?

Often yes for approved educational expenses, but categories and vendors vary. Confirm in your parent account before purchasing.

Odyssey & Florida Education Savings

Florida’s education choice system has more names than a hurricane season. Step Up for Students, ClassWallet, Odyssey, PEP, ESA — parents hear them in the same breath and wonder which login pays for math books.

This page explains where Odyssey fits for homeschool families and how to spend funds without violating program rules.

The Florida funding landscape (simplified)

Name	What parents usually mean
Step Up for Students	Scholarship nonprofit — apply here
ESA / education savings	State-funded account for eligible expenses
Class Wallet	Payment app many scholars use to buy materials
Odyssey	Platform/account layer tied to certain programs

Your award letter beats this table. Programs rename and merge. Log into the portal you were assigned.

Homeschool + education savings: what stays true

Scholarship or ESA money does not:

File your Letter of Intent
Replace annual evaluation
Enroll your child in a school

It can (when eligible) offset curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and supplies per program rules.

You remain the homeschool parent.

Typical eligible expenses (verify yours)

Often eligible	Often NOT eligible
Core curriculum	General household items
Textbooks, workbooks	Video games
Approved online courses	Religious materials (some programs)
Tutoring from approved providers	Clothes, meals
Special needs therapies (program-specific)	Field trips without educational doc

Blog: ESA funds for homeschool · What Step Up pays for

Spending workflow

Read current parent handbook PDF in your portal
Search vendor in ClassWallet or Odyssey marketplace
Purchase through platform — not personal card unless reimbursement allowed
Document receipt + curriculum description
Use materials for instruction (audits happen)

Class Wallet detailed guide · Scholarship guide

Curriculum planning with funds

Do not spend the full balance in August on impulse kits.

Priority	Buy
1	Core math + language arts for full year
2	Science + history sequence
3	Electives, supplements, manipulatives

K–5: Homeschool Complete — confirm vendor status in your account.

Middle school: Step Up Florida grade 6–8 map.

Odyssey vs. ClassWallet (practical difference)

Question	Answer
Which do I use?	Whichever your award email instructs
Can I have both?	Some families juggle programs — keep spreadsheets
Where do receipts live?	Download monthly from each platform

Planning calendar

Month	Task
Spring	Research eligibility for next year
Summer	Apply during open window
August	Verify balance + vendor list
Monthly	Download statements
Spring	Ensure funds spent or rolled per program rules

Get help

Class Wallet · Resources hub · Homeschool Complete →