Choose the format
Most new church schools start as a two- or three-day hybrid on the church campus, with families enrolled through PEP (at least two in-person days plus a Student Learning Plan). A five-day school enrolls families on the Private School Scholarship instead. The academic program can be the church's own teachers, a licensed curriculum, or an online school used as the core — American Faith Academy (AmFaith) is one Christian option some churches consider.
Revenue math
At the 2026-27 Hillsborough K-3 award of $8,429, every 10 funded students represent about $84,000 a year in scholarship revenue, before any family contribution. A hybrid that prices tuition below the award leaves families room in their accounts for curriculum and tutoring.
Compliance checklist
Annual private school registration survey with FLDOE, Level 2 background screening, health, fire and safety inspections, attendance records, registration as a scholarship school with Step Up and/or AAA, a surety bond or letter of credit for schools in their first three years, annual norm-referenced testing, and EMA enrollment by each quarterly deadline.
Fit with what you already run
Churches that already host Awana, Upward Sports, Trail Life or American Heritage Girls can use those programs for the non-academic hours.
Talk to us
We can share the start-up playbook, build your directory listing so families find you on day one, and send families who already have funding in motion.