Step Up in Florida: Middle School at Home
Florida has more education choice programs than most parents can track on one coffee break. Step Up for Students is the name you will hear at co-op, in Facebook groups, and at the pediatrician’s office when someone mentions paying for curriculum with state funds.
This page is Florida-specific: how homeschool families fit into the picture, what to teach in grades 6–8, and how to stay legal and funded.
Homeschool + Step Up: what stays the same
Scholarship money does not enroll your child in a school. If you homeschool:
- You still file your Letter of Intent
- You still keep a portfolio
- You still complete an annual evaluation
Step Up helps pay for eligible expenses. You remain the homeschool parent.
Legal baseline: Florida requirements
Official application process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create account at stepupforstudents.org |
| 2 | Review open scholarships (income-based, special needs, etc.) |
| 3 | Apply during enrollment window — documents required |
| 4 | If awarded, read your program’s spending guide cover to cover |
| 5 | Purchase only through approved channels (Class Wallet or marketplace) |
We do not process applications. Rules change — your parent portal is authoritative.
Spending in Florida: ClassWallet workflow
- Log into ClassWallet (if your program uses it)
- Search vendor or product
- If approved, pay through platform — save confirmation
- If denied, contact support before buying on personal card
- File receipt + curriculum description in your records folder
Full guide: scholarship spending walkthrough · Class Wallet page
Florida middle school curriculum map
6th grade
| Subject | Target outcomes | Sample resources to fund |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | 5-paragraph essays | Structured writing program |
| Math | Ratios, integers, expressions | Pre-algebra text or online course |
| Science | Scientific method labs | Kit + lab manual |
| Social studies | World geography, cultures | Text + atlas |
| Elective | PE, art, or language | Community class if eligible |
7th grade
| Subject | Target outcomes |
|---|---|
| Writing | Research papers, citations |
| Math | Pre-algebra proficiency |
| Science | Chemistry/physics intro labs |
| Social studies | American history primary sources |
| Life skills | Time management, typing |
8th grade
| Subject | Target outcomes |
|---|---|
| Writing | Argument essays, revision |
| Math | Algebra I readiness |
| Science | Independent science fair-style project |
| Social studies | Civics, economics, Florida government |
| High school prep | Activity resume, course plan |
Blog depth: high school readiness · middle school Step Up use
Records Florida evaluators and scholarships both want
Younger siblings still in K–5?
Fund elementary separately if eligible. Homeschool Complete covers preschool–5th with daily lesson plans — confirm vendor status in your account.
Curriculum Florida · Step Up funds for HC
Florida regional help
- Ocala / Marion Step Up scholarships
- Step Up blog complete guide
- What Step Up can pay for
- ESA / Odyssey context
Parent + community support
- Parents Florida — filing, portfolio, guides
- Free community — ask funded families what they bought
- Community Florida — local co-ops