Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
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.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
For the 2025-2026 school year, 20,000 scholarships will be awarded and each scholarship will provide $7,295 per student under the Tennessee Education Freedom Act. This 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”).
Student Eligibility
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.
Rules & 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: The Tennessee Department of Education is working on launching the system for the 2025-2026 school year.
- 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.
Using Your 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 Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship website page.
- Other education expenses (specific details to be provided by the Tennessee Department of Education).
How to Apply
- Information on how to apply to the program is on the Tennessee Department of Education site. Follow the instructions for the Tennessee Education Freedom Act .
- If you want more information for the program, review the Parent Handbook in the left hand side of the site.
For other Tennessee School Choice Programs: Refer to our Tennessee State Summary.