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.
The Education Freedom Scholarship Program
Education Freedom Scholarships empower Tennessee parents to choose their child’s educational setting by allowing them to direct state funds toward education expenses, starting with tuition and/or fees at qualifying Tennessee private schools.
Applications are live!
Allowable Expenses
- Before any other use, you must pay tuition and fees at a qualifying private school.
- After you have paid tuition and fees, you may use remaining funds towards the following educational expenses:
- Textbooks, Curricula, Instructional Materials, and Uniforms
- Tutoring Services
- Transportation Costs
- Technology and Devices
- Summer Academic and Specialized Afterschool Programs
- College and Career Prep
- Educational Therapy Services
*Please find details on further requirements for eligible expenses in the handbook here.
Compare my options
Compare Scholarship Options
| Education Savings Account Program | Individualized Education Account Program (IEA) | Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Low-income (200% x Free Lunch) AND must reside in the Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Shelby County (Memphis), or Metro Nashville public schools systems. | K-12 student with an IEP and diagnosis of autism, deaf-blindness, hearing impairment (including deafness), intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, visual impairment (including blindness), or multiple disabilities. | Universal; Any K-12 student |
| Preference | None | None | First 10,000 scholarships reserved for low-income families or students with a diagnosis |
| Enrollment Cap | 15,000 | None | 20,000 |
| Average Amount | $9,329 | $6,957 | $7,295 |
| Covers Private School Tuition | |||
| Covers non-tuition education expenses | Only after tuition and fees are paid | ||
| Covers education therapies | Only after tuition and fees are paid | ||
| Covers transportation | Only after tuition and fees are paid | ||
| Covers post-secondary education | Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission | Only after tuition and fees are paid |
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.
What is the amount of the Education Freedom 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 Education Freedom Scholarship awards be given?
The Department of Education is in charge of administering applications and awards. Scholarships are currently being awarded in the order of applicant completion. Applicants should keep an eye out for emails from notifications@
How can I spend my Education Freedom 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 Education Freedom Scholarship applications open?
They are open now! Apply HERE!
Learn more about the application checklist here (on page 2)!
Who is managing the Education Freedom Scholarship 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 Education Freedom Scholarship 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, participate in the program, and reapply each year. 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 Individualized Education Account Program and receive a scholarship that is individually based. Learn more here.
Are home educating families eligible for the Education Freedom Scholarship?
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
Wondering how to navigate your options? Struggling to decide which route is best for your family? 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!
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