Lauren and her husband are raising their three boys in Knox County, Tennessee, where they have been for over a decade, guided by a clear desire to educate their children outside of both the traditional public and private school systems. Though Lauren had considered homeschooling, taking on that responsibility on her own felt intimidating. After attending a single meeting with Rivers Edge Christian Academy (RECA), the couple—especially her diligent, research-oriented husband—felt confident they’d found the right fit for their children.
Still, the financial leap was daunting. While the cost of this educational path weighed heavily on them, the moment they committed to RECA, they knew it was the right decision. They saw their oldest son thriving in his school environment, and the sense of community and support from the teachers affirmed everything they had hoped for.
As their second son became school-aged, the financial pressure naturally increased, but their priority remained to invest in their children’s spiritual and academic development because, as Lauren said, “What else is more important?” When the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) became available, it was a game-changer. Her husband worked tirelessly to ensure their application was complete, aware of how transformative it could be with two children now enrolled in private school. Their school kept them well-informed throughout the process, which became a shared experience among families. In fact, both Lauren and her husband were part of group texts with dozens of parents anxiously navigating the application together. The stakes were high, and some families were successful, while others landed on the waitlist. But Lauren’s family was one of the fortunate ones, with both of their school-age boys receiving the scholarship.
Now, Lauren feels an immense sense of gratitude and responsibility. She wants state officials to know that this scholarship hasn’t just provided financial relief; it’s created freedom. Freedom to invest in their children’s faith-based education and to steward their blessings with intention. For Lauren, this opportunity is not just about education—it’s about purpose. “Our money is the Lord’s money,” she says, “and we pray He uses this opportunity for His kingdom.”
