Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Program Enters Second Year with Record Interest, Receives 50,304 Applications So Far

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has received more than 50,304 new and renewal applications for Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), with approximately half of the applicants applying for income prioritized scholarships. Families are encouraged to continue applying through January 30.

"As demand for Education Freedom Scholarships continues to grow, I look forward to working with the General Assembly to increase the number of available scholarships for the 2026-27 school year," said Gov. Lee. "It's clear that Tennessee parents want choices when it comes to their child's education, and expanding access to this program will ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive, regardless of income or zip code."

Key Highlights:

· Almost 100% of previously enrolled families have already applied to renew, indicating strong parent satisfaction.

· 2026-27 applications have already exceeded the previous year's total by more than 7,500 applications.

· 18 more schools have already registered to participate in the 2026-27 school year, and the full list of participating schools is available here.

Interested families are encouraged to continue applying for the program, as the application review process is just beginning. If the Department receive more applications for the 2026-27 school year than scholarships available, scholarships will be awarded based on the prioritization outlined here, and a waitlist will be established, should additional seats become available.

TDOE began accepting renewal applications for the 2026-27 school year on December 9, 2025, for students enrolled in the first year of the program, resulting in 18,507 applications submitted. The Department began accepting new applications for the program on January 13, 2026, resulting in 31,797 applications submitted within less than 48 hours of the portal opening. The Department will continue to accept new and renewal applications through January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST.

"Entering the program's second year with even more interest statewide is a clear indicator that the EFS Program is successfully expanding educational choices for families," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "We are proud to support this initiative as it continues to grow and meet the needs of all Tennessee families."

During the Tennessee General Assembly's extraordinary legislative session in January 2025, legislators passed the Education Freedom Act, and Gov. Lee signed the landmark legislation on February 12, 2025, to establish Tennessee's universal school choice program into law. The Tennessee EFS Program is also guided by the State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-24.

To learn more about the EFS Program and access additional resources, visit the EFS webpage.