Elevating Kids.
Empowering Parents.
The Education Freedom Scholarship Program is now in Tennessee! Applications are open!
We're in this together.
Tennessee Together for Every Student is a powerful community of neighbors putting kids back at the center of the education conversation and putting parents back in charge.
Every student. Every parent.
Hi Parents!
We know our children best and we’d give anything to give them the best. But too often, we aren’t in charge. If you’ve felt on the outside of your child’s educational journey, you’re not alone.
And we’re joining together to change that.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program?
Any K-12 student in Tennessee who is a resident of the state, lawfully present in the U.S., and entitled to attend public school! There are 20,000 scholarships available for the 2025/2026 school year. The first 10,000 are reserved for students 1) with family incomes below 300% of the federal free-and-reduced-lunch guidelines, 2) who are already eligible for one of our state’s other school choice programs, OR 3) who have been diagnosed with at least one state-recognized disability. The remaining 10,000 scholarships are open to any family, regardless of income. The number of available scholarships will be increased yearly, depending on demand the previous year and subject to legislative funding.
Learn more about eligibility requirements here.
What is the amount of the scholarship?
$7,295 for the 2025/2026 school year! The amount is tied to the state funding formula (TISA), so it is subject to change each year.
When will awards be given?
The Department of Education is in charge of administering applications and awards. The exact timeline of award distribution is still to be announced!
How can I spend my scholarship dollars?
Private school tuition and fees must be paid first. If funds remain, additional allowable expenses include:
- tutoring services
- transportation fees
- technology
- summer academic programs and afterschool academic programs (excludes non-academic child care, day care, and afterschool programs)
- exam fees, college entrance tests (ACT/SAT)
- dual enrollment/early college courses
- industry certification exams
- and educational therapy services.
When are applications open?
Who is managing the program?
The program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Education. Funds are managed by the State Treasurer, and the State Board of Education provides oversight of the program.
Do dollars “roll over” from year to year?
Absolutely! If you don’t use all your child’s funds during the year, unused funds stay in your account and can be used for future educational expenses as long as you remain eligible and participating in the program. It’s a great incentive to manage those resources wisely!
What if my child has special needs?
You will receive priority when applying as the first 10,000 scholarships are reserved for students who are low-income, eligible for existing TN school choice programs, or have special needs. But your scholarship amount will still be the flat rate of $7,295. However, a student with a disability may be eligible for the separate Individualized Education Account Program and receive a scholarship that is individually based. Learn more here.
Are home educating families eligible?
Currently, home education is not an allowable expense under the Education Freedom Scholarship program. But children educated at home need these resources just as much! So here at Tennessee Together for Every Student, we’ll be advocating to ensure home education is an allowable expense for those homeschooling families who want to participate.
Department of Education Resources
Looking for resources to help you get started? Here are a few items that the Tennessee Department of Education has put out to help you get ready:
Get Support
We’re here to help! Send us a message with your question or problem, and we’ll do our best to get you the support and empowerment you need!
Action Center
Speak Up!
We’re speaking up for parents and kids. Together.
When parents are empowered and the education conversation is about kids’ needs, we all win. Help us change the conversation – and create a state that prioritizes every student.
Opportunities to Speak Up
Thank lawmakers for standing up for education freedom!
In January, Tennessee made history by passing the Education Freedom Act, providing universal school choice to families across the state. This landmark legislation ensures that parents, regardless of their background or zip code, can select the best educational environment for their children. Take a moment to thank them for supporting education freedom!
Tell Congress: Students Deserve Choice!
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