Home » Step Up For Students Direct Pay Providers BROWARD:

Step Up For Students Direct Pay Providers BROWARD:

What Is Direct Pay?

If you’re using Step Up for Students, you’ve probably seen the term direct pay pop up and wondered what that actually means.

The simple version is this: direct pay means you do not have to pay out of pocket first.

Instead of you paying for a class or program and waiting to get reimbursed, Step Up pays the provider directly through your EMA account.

It usually works like this:

  • You find a class, activity, or program your child wants to do
  • The provider is set up as a direct pay vendor
  • You approve the expense inside EMA
  • Step Up sends the payment straight to the provider

No uploading receipts and no waiting on reimbursement.

That is why so many families like direct pay. It is usually simpler, especially for ongoing classes and activities.

You will still want to confirm that the provider is active in EMA and currently offering direct pay.

So when you see direct pay, it basically means Step Up pays the provider for you instead of you paying first.

🌴 SUFS Direct Pay Providers: Broward County

Confirm providers availability and pay through EMA. Check out their info below or contact providers for more info.

📚 Classes / Enrichment / Homeschool Programs

2nd Brain

Location: Plantation, FL

Phone: (754) 249-1907

Facebook: facebook.com/DMCostaClasses

A smaller, focused class option offering an Anatomy & Physiology class for ages 6–11. It’s a 10-week course with all materials included, so it’s a nice plug-and-play science option.

Faith on the Field Academy

Address: 20861 Johnson St, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

Phone: (954) 892-4570

Website: faithonthefieldacademy.com

A unique mix of baseball and Bible-based learning. They run a Friday morning drop-off program from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM focused on teamwork, character, and confidence.

Surf Skate Science

Address: 3701 NE 5th Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33334

Phone: (954) 758-4368

Website: surfskatescience.com

Surf Skate Science is a South Florida-based nonprofit STEAM and PE program created for homeschoolers and other non-traditional learners. It blends action sports with hands-on learning, using surfing and skateboarding to teach concepts tied to science, engineering, art, math, and environmental learning.

It was originally designed for students in roughly 3rd–10th grade and includes project-based learning experiences like designing skateboards, studying ocean waves, and exploring science through movement and real-world activities.

EK Youth Fishing / Extreme Kayak Fishing

Location: Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, FL

Website: extremekayakfishingtournament.org

An 8-week outdoor homeschool program for ages 6–13 where kids learn fishing, kayaking, water safety, and teamwork. All equipment is provided.

419 Fishing Academy

Website: 419fishingacademy.com

Ages: 5–15

A fun hands-on option for kids who love the outdoors. Their Fish Trap Building class gives students the chance to build their own fish traps, learn through doing, and take their finished project home.

Flavia’s Corner Club

Address: 6191 Orange Dr, Suite 6167, Davie, FL 33314

Phone: (954) 800-4078

Website: Flavia’s Corner Club info

Small group STEM-style classes with things like robotics, engineering, science, and coding. Classes run on Thursdays with two time options, and it’s very hands-on and engaging.

Amor Charyce Homeschool Hub

Location: Broward County, FL

Phone: (561) 400-0243

Facebook/Post: View listing

A hands-on program teaching braiding and natural hair care skills. They offer an 8-week program for ages 8 and up, meeting once a week for 2 hours in a small group setting. Materials and supplies are included.

Saltwater Studies

Location: Dania Beach area

Phone: (954) 895-8579

Website: saltwaterstudies.com

Saltwater Studies offers marine science education through guided tours, field trips, and classes for families and school groups across South Florida. Their programs are hands-on and centered around local marine life, ecosystems, and conservation.

They also offer both biblical and secular learning options, which can be especially helpful for families looking for a program that better matches their learning style or preferences.

Eye of a Scientist

Location: Davie, FL

Phone: (786) 488-6359

Email: [email protected]

Website: eyeofascientist.com

This is a strong option for families looking for a more academic, hands-on science class. Lessons include projects and experiments built around the scientific method, with topics like physics, biology, chemistry, molecular biology, geology, astronomy, environmental science, microbiology, and neuroscience.

Class groupings are flexible depending on the child, and classes are kept small for a more focused experience.

Leaf Lab

Location: Tamarac, FL

Facebook: facebook.com/p/Leaf-Lab

A more relaxed, nature-based option with hands-on activities like gardening, outdoor exploration, and creative projects. Great for kids who learn best outside or through doing.

Art Paper Scissors Plantation

Address: 821 N Nob Hill Rd, Plantation, FL 33324

Phone: (954) 998-3809

Website: myartpaperscissors.com

A creative art studio offering classes, camps, birthday parties, and special events for kids. Their programs include hands-on projects like painting, drawing, crafts, and creative art activities.

They offer art clubs and drawing classes for kids and teens, including options for ages 5–10 and ages 11 and up, making it a nice fit for families looking for a fun, creative enrichment option.

Miss Marie Poppinz

Address: 1400 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Phone: (530) 955-0748

Website: missmariepoppinz.com

A creative option offering homeschool theatre classes. Perfect for kids who love acting, storytelling, or just being expressive.

Introduction to Automotive Maintenance

Address: 4009 NW 76th Ave, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Phone: (954) 818-5447

Ages: 9 and older

A great fit for kids who love practical, hands-on learning. This small-group class teaches basic automotive maintenance skills like changing oil, fixing a tire, brake changes, and more.

Sessions are kept small, which makes it feel a little more personal and gives kids the chance to really get involved.

Paratus Bellator Group

Phone: (954) 553-3351

EMA Search Name: PB Group

This First Aid & CPR training series is a really practical option for homeschool students. It’s hands-on, age-appropriate, and designed to help kids build confidence, awareness, and real-life safety skills step by step.

Families can move through the series over time, and students work on useful skills like injury response, bleeding control, emergency awareness, and CPR.

Take Root Forest School

Location: Bonnet House & Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Phone: (786) 490-6660

Email: [email protected]

Website: takerootforestschool.com

Ages: Family Forest School ages 1.5–4; Homeschool Forest School ages 5+; Forest Camp ages 5+

Take Root Forest School offers outdoor, nature-based learning through forest school programs, homeschool offerings, camps, and parent/teacher workshops. Their programs focus on hands-on outdoor exploration, connection with nature, and child-led learning.

🎒 Microschools & Hybrid Programs

Colossal Academy

Address: 746 NE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Phone: (754) 444-9929

Email: [email protected]

Website: colossal-academy.com

Colossal Academy is a Fort Lauderdale microschool for middle and high school students. They offer a small-group learning environment with in-person and online options designed to support real-world learning and personalized instruction.

Kind Academy

Address: 3266 NW 99th Way, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Phone: (754) 229-6197

Website: kindacademy.org

Ages/Grades: PreK4 through 12th grade

Kind Academy is a project-based microschool offering personalized, small-group learning. Their program blends online and offline experiences with a focus on 21st-century skills, individualized support, and flexible learning options.

CHAMPS Homeschoolers

Location: Coconut Creek, FL

Facebook: View page/post

This is a structured homeschool enrichment option with both elementary and middle school programs. The middle school side includes electives like photography, Photoshop, forensic science, AI, robotics, and STEM.

The elementary program includes history, geography, robotics, theater, PE, art, and science, making it a nice all-around option for families wanting a fuller homeschool day experience.

South Florida Homeschool Resource Center

Address: 13798 NW 4th St, Suite 313, Sunrise, FL 33325

Phone: (954) 314-7865

Website: southfloridahomeschoolresourcecenter.com

This is one of those easy go-to spots when you just need options. They offer a mix of classes, clubs, workshops, and even microschool-style programs. You can usually find something for most ages all in one place.

Beyond Play Learning

Phone/Text: (786) 368-8979

Website: playschoolacademy.com

BEYOND PLAY LEARNING is a creative learning and enrichment center serving elementary, middle, and high school learners. Their program focuses on social-emotional growth, creative skill-based enrichment, and personalized academic support in a warm, family-centered setting.

Tree Stars Learning

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Phone: 1-888-602-5282

Email: [email protected]

Grades: K–8

Tree Stars Learning is a Fort Lauderdale-based accredited microschool offering personalized education with small class sizes. They focus on project-based learning, individualized attention, hands-on activities, and academic enrichment.

Compass Outreach and Education Center

Address: 1600 SW 5th Place, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 309-0109

Email: [email protected]

Website: mycompassoutreach.org

Compass is an accredited Fort Lauderdale microschool serving K–8 students with personalized education, small-group learning, enrichment, and support for students who may learn differently.

Permission To Succeed Education Center

Address: 100 SW 9th Ave, Suite 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 369-4276

Administrator Direct Line: (954) 397-2793

Email: [email protected]

Website: permissiontosucceedacademy.com

Grades: KG–12th grade

Permission To Succeed Education Center is a Cognia-accredited private microschool offering personalized K–12 education. Their program includes one-to-one teaching, small-group instruction, enrichment, social-emotional learning, life skills, and flexible onsite and virtual options.

The Gathering Place

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Phone: (954) 694-3772 or (786) 301-2444

Email: [email protected]

Website: tgplearninglab.com

The Gathering Place is an all-girls microschool and homeschool cooperative in Fort Lauderdale. Their program focuses on personalized, relationship-driven learning where academic rigor, emotional safety, hands-on learning, curiosity, and joy are part of the experience.

FLEX Learning Academy

Cooper City Address: 12399 SW 53rd St, Unit 103, Cooper City, FL 33330

Weston Address: 1378 SW 160 Ave, Weston, FL

Phone: (954) 652-0220

Website: flexlearningacademy.com

Grades: Weston grades 2–5; Cooper City grades 6–12

FLEX Learning Academy is an experiential, project-based microschool for students in grades 2–12. Their approach emphasizes real-world experiences, Socratic discussions, individual projects, and a nurturing learning environment with no homework and no tests.

🎵 Music

Elite Music Instruction

Location: Fort Lauderdale area

Phone: (954) 749-4059

Website: elitemusicinstruction.com

Flexible music lessons with in-home, studio, or online options. Covers a wide range of instruments and works well for beginners through more advanced students.

🤸 Martial Arts / Movement

Intensity Gymnastics

Address: 1690 Banks Rd, Margate, FL 33063

Phone: (954) 532-4088

Website: intensitygymnastics.com

A great daytime movement option for homeschool families. They offer Level 1 Gymnastics & Tumbling on Tuesdays and Thursdays with morning class times, plus Friday Homeschool PE and Mommy & Me Open Play.

This is a nice pick if you’re looking for something active, structured, and easy to work into a weekday routine.

Tennis 4 FUN

Website: tennis4fun.org

This is a fun, non-competitive tennis program that focuses on fitness, discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. They work with beginner and intermediate students and also offer group and private lessons.

A good option if you want sports and movement in a lower-pressure setting that still builds skills.

Couchon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Address: 2830 W State Rd 84, Unit 103, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 787-1092

Website: couchonbjj.com

Classes for little kids through teens, and adults too. Focuses on confidence, discipline, and self-defense in a structured and supportive environment.

Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu & Training Center

Address: 1091 Shotgun Rd, Sunrise, FL 33326

Phone: (954) 384-2862

Email: [email protected]

Website: renzogracieflorida.com

A martial arts academy offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking for kids, teens, and adults. Their programs focus on self-defense, discipline, confidence, fitness, and physical and mental growth.

This is a good option for families looking for a structured movement program with real skill-building, supportive instruction, and classes for multiple ages and levels.

🐎 Horse/ Equestrian

Hearts & Hooves Foundation

Location: Southwest Ranches, FL

Contact: Ally Pinhas

Phone: (786) 564-7702

Email: [email protected]

Website: heartsandhoovesfoundation.com

A nonprofit equestrian foundation offering horse-based programs for children including riding lessons (ages 3+), horsemanship, and the Equine Scholars Academy — an equine-assisted literacy program for struggling readers. They also offer a Stable Foundations Academy covering grooming, handling, and animal husbandry as a Step Up for Students elective.

They are a Step Up for Students direct pay vendor, so scholarships can be applied directly toward their programs.

✏️ Tutoring

Jamie The Tutor

Location: Coral Springs / Broward area

Website: jamiethetutor.com

Private, personalized tutoring with a flexible approach. A good fit if your child needs extra support or learns better outside a traditional setting.

Eventful Learning Center

Address: 8360 Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 200C, Sunrise, FL

Service Areas: Sunrise, Plantation area, and Broward County families

Phone: (954) 247-1191

Email: [email protected]

Website: eventfullearningcenter.com

Eventful Learning Center offers reading and math support for K–3 students, including tutoring, small-group and one-on-one instruction, assessment-based placement, progress monitoring, summer learning pods, academic skill assessments, homeschool evaluations, and personalized learning plans.

🧠 Therapy / Evaluations

Bayview Therapy / Dr. Brittany Marino

Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Plantation

Phone: (954) 391-5305

Website: bayviewtherapy.com

Offers full evaluations and testing, which can be really helpful if you’re trying to better understand how your child learns or need documentation for services.

Piano Therapy Plus

Address: 6191 Orange Dr, Suite 6181-P, Davie, FL 33314

Phone: (954) 417-7005

Website: pianotherapyplus.com

A unique mix of therapy and music. They combine piano lessons with behavioral support, which works really well for kids who benefit from both structure and creativity.

Know a Provider to Add?

If you know of a Broward County business that is a direct pay provider for PEP or UA, please submit them through the contact form below so this list can keep growing and help more families.