Estimate your child's Matrix score and Cost Factor (Support Levels 251-255). The matrix is completed by your school district and affects FES-UA scholarship funding.
Use the Free CalculatorWhat a higher matrix level could mean
Example reflects Monroe County, Grades K-3, from the 2025-26 Step Up funding chart. Your amount depends on county, grade, and matrix level.
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is a Florida state scholarship administered by scholarship funding organizations such as Step Up For Students. Funds are deposited quarterly into an education savings account for eligible expenses, including private school tuition, therapies, curriculum, and assistive technology.
Per Step Up For Students, your scholarship amount depends on three factors: your child's grade level, county of residence, and matrix level of services. Amounts are set each year by the Florida Legislature and published in the official district funding chart. Dollar amounts vary by county and grade.
To document a unique ability, families submit a district-provided Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a validated diagnosis of a qualifying condition listed in the FES-UA parent handbook. Students with an IEP are assigned a matrix level (Support Levels 1-5, also called Cost Factors 251-255).
Step Up For Students does not create or change matrix levels. Only your local school district can assign or revise them through the IEP process.
The Florida Department of Education Matrix of Services is completed by the IEP team to document the nature and intensity of services a student would receive in public school. Five domains are each rated Level 1 through Level 5. Domain ratings plus any special considerations points produce a total score, which maps to a Cost Factor (Support Level 251 through 255).
Instructional placement, curriculum modifications, and supports needed for the student to access and progress in the general education curriculum.
Peer interactions, emotional regulation, social skills, and behavioral responses in school settings.
Self-care, daily living skills, personal hygiene, feeding, dressing, and age-appropriate functional independence.
Health-related services at school, including nursing, medication administration, and monitoring of medical or sensory conditions.
Expressive and receptive language, speech clarity, augmentative communication, and the student's ability to communicate wants and needs.
The Matrix of Services form is usually attached to your child's IEP. If you do not see it, ask your school for the finalized IEP that includes the matrix pages.
Your total Matrix score (domain ratings plus special considerations) maps to a Cost Factor from 251 to 255. For FES-UA, Support Levels 1 through 3 (251-253) receive the district-average funding amount for students at those levels. Support Levels 4 and 5 (254-255) receive higher amounts set in the annual funding chart.
For students with the most intensive documented support needs. 2025-26 example (Duval County, K-12): $35,154. Your amount depends on county and grade. See the official Step Up funding chart.
For students requiring substantial specialized instruction and related services. 2025-26 example (Duval County, K-12): $21,848. Amounts vary by county and grade.
For FES-UA, students at 251, 252, or 253 (and students who qualify with a diagnosis but no matrix) receive the same district-average amount for the 251-253 band. 2025-26 example (Duval County): about $9,667 to $10,405.
The largest FES-UA funding step is from Support Level 3 (253) to Support Level 4 (254). Moving from 252 to 253 does not change the scholarship amount. If you believe your child's documented needs support a higher matrix level, you may request an IEP meeting or re-evaluation from your school district. Under Florida Statute § 1002.394(7)(b)1, the district must complete the IEP and matrix of services within 30 days of your request.
Annual scholarship amounts for every Florida district, from the official Step Up For Students funding chart. Levels 1-3 share the same base band; Levels 4 and 5 receive higher amounts.
| District | ESE Levels 1-3 (251-253) | Level 4 (254) | Level 5 (255) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades K-3 | Grades 4-8 | Grades 9-12 | All grades | All grades | |
County refers to the student's residence as listed in their 2025-26 scholarship application. Amounts are set by the Florida Legislature and published annually by Step Up For Students.
Advocates who help Florida families prepare for IEP meetings and matrix reviews.
Ashley Swestyn
Special education advocate
St. Augustine, FL
From $80
Lisa Smith
Special education advocate
Riverview, FL
From $75
Julian Moreira
Special education advocate
Miami, FL
From $100
Angela Picardi
Special education advocate
Wesley Chapel, FL
Contact for rate
Soidemer Nunez
Special education advocate
Miami, FL
Contact for rate
Ivette Leonard
Special education advocate
Weston, FL
Contact for rate
A Florida special education advocate works with parents on IEP and matrix questions. You make decisions and give consent. An advocate prepares records, attends meetings as support, and helps you follow up with the district. Only your school district assigns official matrix levels.
Matrix scores come from services listed on the IEP, not from a separate test. If present levels or services understate your child's needs, the matrix rating may, too.
Your child may not have a matrix level yet, or needs may have changed since the last evaluation. The request should be in writing and specific about what you want assessed.
Under Florida Statute § 1002.394(7)(b)1, the district must complete the IEP and matrix within 30 days of your request.
Each matrix domain rating should reflect services your child needs in that area. Most parents have concerns but lack organized records or specific questions about listed services.
Applications through Step Up For Students require your IEP, matrix pages, and qualifying documentation. A missing page or outdated IEP can delay approval.
Matrix levels update when the IEP changes. Students at Support Levels 4 and 5 (254-255) need matrix review at least every three years. A brief annual meeting may not capture changes in support needs.
The IEP team completes the matrix when the IEP is developed. Per Florida DOE guidance, a matrix is required at initial ESE placement and at least every three years. For students at Support Levels 4 and 5 (254-255), a new matrix is required at initial placement and at least every three years thereafter. Many districts also update the matrix when the IEP is amended.
Only your local school district assigns or revises matrix levels. Step Up For Students administers scholarship accounts but does not create or change matrix scores. The district submits matrix updates to the Florida Department of Education.
Yes. If your child already has a matrix, you may request a re-evaluation once every three years, or sooner to correct a technical or calculation error. Per Step Up For Students, when your child's support needs change, an IEP amendment can lead to an updated matrix.
You may raise concerns at the IEP meeting and request changes to documented services. If you remain in disagreement, Florida provides dispute resolution options through your school district, including mediation and due process. An advocate can help you organize evaluations and present your concerns.
Per Step Up For Students, the amount depends on grade level, county of residence, and matrix level. Students at Cost Factors 251-253 receive the district-average amount for that band. Students at 254 or 255 receive higher amounts from the annual funding chart. Amounts are set by the Florida Legislature each year and vary by county.
Scholarships renew annually. Families submit a renewal application each year and must continue to meet eligibility requirements. Per Step Up For Students, funds are deposited quarterly into the student's scholarship account after acceptance and enrollment steps are complete.
Yes. Families may use scholarship funds for a home education program if they have filed a letter of intent with their local school district. Eligible expenses include curriculum, instructional materials, therapies, tutoring, and related services listed in the FES-UA parent handbook. Home education students do not need additional enrollment steps for quarterly deposits once eligibility is confirmed.
Step Up For Students publishes the official parent handbook each school year. It covers eligibility, matrix levels, funding schedules, and authorized expenses.
Read the FES-UA HandbookScholarship dollar amounts by county, grade level, and matrix level. Published annually by Step Up For Students after the Florida Legislature sets funding.
View District Funding AmountsThe Florida Department of Education matrix form and handbook explain how IEP teams rate each domain and calculate the Cost Factor.
Florida DOE Matrix FormApplications are submitted through Step Up For Students, a state-approved scholarship funding organization. You will need your child's IEP or qualifying diagnosis documentation.
Step Up For Students FES-UAAdvocates listed on Find Parent Advocates work with parents on IEP meetings, evaluations, and documentation. They do not assign matrix levels. That remains your school district's role.
Find Florida Advocates