Prepared by the Broward County School District

Is my gifted or preschool child eligible for this program?
Sometimes. Gifted only students are not eligible for McKay. However, if your student is gifted and has a 504 Accommodations Plan or Individual Education Plan (IEP), they may be eligible.

PreK students that:
- were enrolled in a Florida public school the year prior to which you are applying;
- were counted for funding during the October and February FTE survey weeks;
- was 4 years old during these survey weeks

Would meet the attendance criteria for McKay.

Please contact the District McKay Office at 754-321-2553 with any eligibility questions.

May my child return to the public schools if I choose a participating private school?
Yes. Your child may return at any time and you may have a choice in the school your child will attend.
*Please note* Upon returning your child to public school, their private school funding will be forfeited for a full school year. Your child will have to meet all McKay criteria again before you may reapply.

If you wish to have your child attend their boundaried public school, no prior approval is necessary.

If you would like to request that your child attend an out of boundary public school, you would need to complete the Request for Public School Choice Application. This application may be found online at www.browardschools.com under the School Info link. Once you have selected John M. McKay Scholarships, you will be redirected to the information page. Here you will find the list of currently available public schools and the application. Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the District ESE Office. You will receive a response to your request via U.S. Mail within 30 days. You must have an approval from the District to enroll your child at an out of boundary public school.

How long may my child remain in a school of choice?

Your child can continue to attend a participating private school of your choice until the your child graduates from high school or turns the age of 22. Public school choice must be requested prior to a change in school level (eg: elementary school to middle school; middle school to high school)

Can I change my mind during the school year about the private school of choice for my child?
Yes. Parents may choose another participating private school during a school year if they desire. Parents should contact the Department of Education at (800) 447-1636 to determine how a private school change might affect scheduled voucher payments.

Can I change my mind during the school year about the public school of choice for my child?
No. Parents may choose another public school only once during a school year. However, parents can always reenroll their child in his/her boundaried public school at any time of the year.

Will my child participate in the state testing program (the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test [FCAT])?
Children who remain in a public school MUST participate in state or district testing program. Children who attend a participating private school may participate in the state testing program (FCAT) at parent request. Parents will be informed about procedures for requesting test participation.

Will my child be provided the services and programs on their Individual Educational Plan (IEP)?
If your child attends a public school, the school will provide the services and programs on the IEP. If your child attends a participating private school, your child is not entitled to an IEP and the private school is not required to provide any special education services. While enrolled in a non-profit private school, your child may be eligible for some special education or related services. Please refer to information about private school services located here.

My child is currently enrolled in a Florida public school and was preset all last year. However, My child was not identified as an exceptional student until the middle of last school year. Can I request a school choice under the program?
Yes. If your child is identified as a student with disabilities and receives an IEP or 504 Accommodations Plan after the start of school, you may still be able to apply for a McKay Scholarship.

Can my child be expelled from a school I have chosen under the program?
A child who attends a public school will be required to follow the school district’s Student Code of Conduct at that school. Disciplinary procedures will comply with the procedural safeguards for exceptional students. A child who attends a participating private school must follow that school’s code of conduct. Disciplinary procedures could result in expulsion.

How will I receive payment from the state?
Checks are sent to the participating private school of enrollment four times a year. You must endorse the check before it can be deposited.

How much money will I receive from the state?
The amount of funding is based on the student’s grade level and/or matrix number. Currently, funding amounts range from approximately $4,000 to 18,000 per year. Within thirty (30) days of filing your Intent to participate you can using your confirmation number, you can go to www.floridaschoolchoice.org and view your child’s eligibility and the scholarship amount.

Will the scholarship amount change if my child’s needs change?
No. The matrix number assigned to your student upon their exit from public school is the matrix they will be assigned while enrolled as a private McKay student. If you have any questions about the scholarship amount, you must contact the District ESE Office before you enroll your child in a private school.

Will the school district require any information from me once I choose a participating private school?
Yes. The school district may contact you to update parent contact information. This information would be used to inform you of opportunities for state testing and reevaluation required by the federal government.

Can the scholarship program be forfeited?
Yes. There are several ways that a McKay scholarship may be forfeited.

The scholarship is forfeited when a parent.

I. Refuses to endorse the scholarship payment to the appropriate school for deposit into the account of the participating school;

II. Does not comply fully with the private school’s parental involvement requirements (unless excused by the school for illness or other good cause);

III. Enrolls the student in a non-participating private school.

The scholarship may be forfeited when a student:
1. Does not remain in attendance throughout the school year (unless excused by the school for illness or other good cause;
2. Does not comply fully with the school’s code of conduct; or
3. Enrolls in a school operating for the purpose of providing educational services to youth in any Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) programs; or
4. Enrolls or re-enrolls the student in a public school.

Please visit www.floridaschoolchoice.org to view all parental and student responsibilities while participating in the John M. McKay Scholarship program.

Please contact the District McKay Office with any questions or concerns at 754-321-2553. You may also send inquiries via email to Tara Rodger, tara.rodger@browardschools.com or Jenny Ligas, jenny.ligas@browardschools.com