The Gardiner Scholarship is a significant source of educational funding for students with certain special needs in Florida. As we head into 2024, many families will be applying for or renewing this scholarship. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make informed decisions about the Gardiner Scholarship in the upcoming year.

What is the Gardiner Scholarship?

The Gardiner Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship program that provides funding to parents of students with certain special needs or disabilities to personalize their child’s education. It was established in 2014 under Florida Statute 1002.385 to expand educational opportunities and empower parents to make the best choices for their child’s unique needs.

The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and provides funding that can be used for approved programs, including private school tuition and fees, therapies, specialized curriculum or online learning programs, and more. It aims to give parents flexible options to individualize their child’s learning experience.

Eligibility Requirements for 2024

To qualify for the Gardiner Scholarship in 2024, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a Florida resident no older than 21 years old
• Have one of the following disabilities: autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, Prader-Willi syndrome, Spina bifida, Williams syndrome, or another neurological impairment associated with an intellectual disability
• Have a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP)
• Enroll in a public school in the previous school year or be eligible to enroll in kindergarten.

The disability must be documented in educational or medical records. Children born after September 1, 2022, must also be younger than five years old by February 1, 2024, to qualify.

Financial need is not considered—the scholarship is available to Florida families of all incomes whose children meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.

Amount of Funding in 2024

For the 2023-2024 school year, the maximum Gardiner Scholarship award amount is $10,000 per eligible student. This is subject to change each year based on the state’s annual appropriation but has remained $10,000 since 2020.

The funds can be used flexibly to cover expenses like:

• Private school tuition and fees
• Curriculum, instructional materials, digital devices
• Contributions to qualified education savings accounts
• Tuition and fees at eligible postsecondary institutions
• Contracted services from public/private providers like therapists or tutors
• Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services

Unused funds roll over from year to year as long as the student remains eligible. Parents maintain control of the funds and make decisions about the best educational services, providers, or programs for their individual child.

How to Apply for 2024 Funding

Parents can apply for the Gardiner Scholarship during open enrollment periods held three times a year. The application process for 2024 funding will take place as follows:

July 15-31, 2023 – Open enrollment period for new applicants and students entering kindergarten
October 1-15, 2023 – Open enrollment period for all applicants
February 1-15, 2024 – Open enrollment period for all applicants

Applications open at 8:00 AM on the first day and close at 5:00 PM on the last day of the enrollment period. Applicants should submit the required documentation at least ten business days before to allow time for review.

Required forms include an application, income verification, proof of disabilities, proof of Florida residency, current IEP/IFSP, and consent for student records. Applications are submitted online through the Step Up for Students website.

Students are approved for funding on a first-come, first-served basis, so parents are encouraged to apply as early in the enrollment period as possible. Continuing students must reapply each year but have priority over new applicants.

Renewing Scholarships for 2024-2025

If your child received the Gardiner Scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year and remains eligible, you do not need to reapply during the initial July-October open enrollment period.

However, renewal applications for 2024-2025 funding will need to be submitted during the open enrollment period from February 1-15, 2024. Required renewal forms include an application, verification of continued Florida residency, verification of continued eligibility, and consent for student records.

No new documentation of income or disability is required for renewals. Continuing students are given priority over new applicants when awarded scholarship amounts during this enrollment period.

It’s important to meet this February deadline to ensure your child’s funding continues without interruption for the upcoming school year. Step Up for Students recommends starting the renewal process at least 2-4 weeks beforehand.

Approved Providers and Programs

The Gardiner Scholarship is very flexible in that it allows funds to be used with any approved providers, programs or institutions that meet legal requirements. This includes:

• Private schools accredited by a state, regional, or national accrediting organization
• Non-public online learning programs meeting state attendance/curriculum standards
• Therapists, specialists, tutors, or other independent contractors with valid Florida licenses
• Curriculum, digital devices, or other educational supplies approved by the parent
• Public school part-time tutoring option for home education students

There is no list or registry of Gardiner-approved providers. Parents have sole discretion over choosing services, curriculum, or programs that best meet their child’s individualized needs. This autonomy is one of the key benefits of the scholarship.

Important Dates for 2024

To summarize the key dates in the Gardiner Scholarship application and renewal process for 2024:

• July 15-31, 2023: Open enrollment period for new applicants/kindergarteners
• October 1-15, 2023: Open enrollment period for all applicants
• February 1-15, 2024: Open enrollment period for continuing student renewals
• March/April 2024: Notification of awards sent to applicants
• May-August 2024: Students must enroll in approved programs
• The school year 2024-2025: Scholarship funds available for use

Be sure to watch for these important deadlines in 2023 and early 2024 to ensure your family can access this funding opportunity without any delays or interruptions. Prompt application is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions parents have about the Gardiner Scholarship:

Can I use the funds for private school tuition?

Yes, private school tuition is an approved use of Gardiner Scholarship funds. Schools must be accredited to qualify.

What if I home-school my child – can I still get the scholarship?

Yes, the funds can be used very flexibly for approved costs associated with home education, like curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and more.

Do I need to show financial need to qualify?

No, eligibility is based solely on meeting the age, disability, and Florida residency requirements – not household income level.

What if my child ages out before using all the funds?

Any leftover funds roll over from year to year and can be used until the student ages out at 21 or is no longer eligible.

Can the scholarship be used for college expenses later on?

Yes, once a Gardiner student turns 18, their funds can be put towards tuition and fees at eligible postsecondary institutions. This includes vocational programs, apprenticeships, and community colleges.

What if my child doesn’t need the full $10,000 – can we apply for less?

No, the scholarship is an annual flat award amount. Parents will have funds rolled over if not fully spent each year.

Conclusion

The Gardiner Scholarship provides families with valuable educational options and flexibility for children with certain special needs. As the 2024 application and renewal periods approach, it’s crucial for eligible Florida families to understand the program requirements and deadlines to take advantage of this funding opportunity. With up to $10,000 available per student annually, the Gardiner Scholarship can make a significant difference in individualizing learning approaches.