Tennessee Individualized Education Account Program
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 Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program provides eligible students with disabilities the option to receive state funds to attend approved nonpublic schools or homeschool. This program aims to offer customized educational options and services to meet the unique needs of your child.
Why this matters to families in Tennessee:
Some children need a learning environment that provides more personalized support than their assigned public school can offer. The Tennessee Individualized Education Account program helps families find a school or choose homeschooling to better meet their child’s individual learning or developmental needs.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
School Year Maximum ESA Amount: Approximately $8,100 per student
The Tennessee IEA Program provides annual scholarships to students with one of the qualifying disability categories. The amount is based on the state’s per-pupil funding formula.
Families are not required to spend all the IEA funds received each year; however, they must spend at least fifty percent (50%) of the total annual funding. The remaining unused funds can roll over to the following year if the student renews their IEA.
Who is eligible for this program?
Students must enroll in and attend a Tennessee public school for one full school year before receiving an IEA in the following school year.
Student must also have an active individualized education program (IEP) through a Tennessee public school district in effect at the time of request for participation in the program identifying a qualifying disability category, including:
- autism
- deaf-blindness
- development delay
- hearing impairment
- intellectual disability
- orthopedic impairments
- specific learning disabilities traumatic brain injury
- visual impairments
- or, multiple disabilities
Refer to the IEA Account Holder Handbook on the Handbook page of the Tennessee Individualized Education Account site for additional detailed information on eligibility for the program.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use the Tennessee IEA funds for a variety of approved educational expenses, including:
- tuition and fees at participating private schools
- textbooks and curriculum materials
- tutoring services
- educational therapies (e.g., speech, occupational, physical)
- assistive technology and devices
- transportation costs related to education
- standardized test fees
The IEA program distributes funds to each eligible student through the Way2Go debit card in quarterly payments during the IEA contract year.
Refer to the IEA Account Holder Handbook on the Handbook page of the IEA site for additional detailed information on allowable uses of the IEA funds, when disbursements are made to the IEA debit card, how and what expenses need approval, how payments should be made, and other reporting and educational requirements to meet once awarded the IEA.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Tennessee.
- Educational Status: The student must be in a Tennessee public school for the entire school year previous to the one in which they will receive the IEA, or are current IEA recipients. The student must also have an active individualized education program (IEP) through a Tennessee public school district. New students to the Tennessee public school system are also eligible, including kindergarteners.
- School Requirements: Families can use funds at eligible nonpublic schools that are accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education. For homeschooling, funds can be used for a participating homeschool umbrella program, or an independent homeschool which meets the requirements of the department, including the requirements of Tennessee’s school attendance law
- Application Window: Timelines for the IEA Program are posted on the Resources page of the IEA site under the General Resources section.
- Other Tennessee School Choice Programs: Students cannot participate in the IEA Program and the Education Savings Account (ESA) Program or the Freedom Education Scholarship (EFS). One program must be selected.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the residency, educational and disability requirements. Refer to the IEA Program Handbook on the Handbook page of the IEA site for more information on eligibility.
- Choose an Eligible School: Select an eligible nonpublic school that participates in the program and ensure your child can be enrolled by following the school’s application process. For the choice of homeschooling, choose and apply to a participating homeschool umbrella program, or an independent homeschool which meets the requirements of the department.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including residency, and other records as they pertain to your child (e.g., IEP and guardianship).
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the IEA site during the 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.
- Renewal: Annual renewal is required, with academic assessment and attendance requirements.
Where can families learn more?
For other Tennessee School Choice Programs: Refer to our Tennessee State Summary.