Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) provides eligible students with scholarships to pay for approved educational expenses, including tuition and/or fees at registered Category I, II, or III private schools. The program allows families to find the best school and educational resources to fit their children’s needs.
Why this matters to families in Tennessee:
Not every school is the right fit for every student, and the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship program gives families options when their assigned school is not meeting their child’s needs. It helps parents access alternatives to their local public school.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
To see the current scholarship amount, refer to the question “How much is each scholarship worth?” on the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship page.
The funding amount will automatically adjust each year to equal the state portion of the base funding amount in Tennessee’s school funding formula (as determined under the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act “TISA”).
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for an Education Freedom Scholarship, a student must:
- Be a resident of Tennessee
- Be eligible to attend a public school in grades K-12
- Be lawfully present in the United States
With a total of 20,000 scholarships to be awarded based on when applications are received, 10,000 scholarships are available for eligible students who meet one of the following criteria:
- those households with an income below 300% of the federal free or reduced-price lunch program guidelines (see the chart on the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship page under the question “How many EFS Scholarships are available for …?” for the specific numbers), or
- is a student as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2602, or
- is a student who qualifies with disabilities as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1402
The remaining 10,000 scholarships are available for eligible students, regardless of the eligible student’s income.
How can families use the funds?
Education Freedom Scholarships can be used for:
- Tuition and/or fees at registered Category I, II, or III private schools located in Tennessee. Refer to the list of schools on the EFS Parents and Students page (scroll down to the “Registered EFS Schools” section).
- Other education expenses as outlined in the EFS Family Handbook which you can find on the EFS Parents and Students page (look on the left list of items for the EFS Handbook).
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Income Level: 10,000 scholarships are available to those households with an income below 300% of the federal free or reduced-price lunch program guidelines, or is a student as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2602, or is a student who qualifies with disabilities as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1402. In addition, 10,000 scholarships are available for eligible students, regardless of the eligible student’s income.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Tennessee.
- Educational Status: Student in grade K-12.
- Application Window: Typically, the application window begins in May prior to the upcoming school year but check the EFS Family Handbook which you can find on the EFS Parents and Students page (look on the left list of items for the EFS Handbook).
- Other Tennessee School Choice Programs: Students cannot participate in the Freedom Education Scholarship (EFS) and the Education Savings Account (ESA) Program or the Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program. One program must be selected.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the income, residency and educational requirements. Refer to the EFS Family Handbook which you can find on the EFS Parents and Students page (look on the left list of items for the EFS Handbook).
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of income, residency, and other records as they pertain to your child (e.g., transcripts from prior schools, IEP, and guardianship).
- Choose an Eligible School: Select an EFS Parents and Students eligible private school that participates in the program and ensure your child can be enrolled by following the school’s application process.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the ESF site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Approval: Follow instructions for onboarding to the program based on information from the Tennessee Department of Education.
Where can families learn more?
For other Tennessee School Choice Programs: Refer to our Tennessee State Summary.