Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program
EFS Applications Closed for 2026-27 School Year
The EFS application window closed on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT.
Category I–III Tennessee non-public schools may register by April 30, 2026, for the 2026–27 school year. Learn more on the Schools and Service Providers page.
What is EFS?
During the Tennessee General Assembly's extraordinary legislative session in January 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-3501 et al., and Governor Bill 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 State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-24.
EFS Key Dates
- Deadline for School Enrollment Confirmation in EFS Portal- June 30, 2026
- EFS Quarter 1 Disbursement- August 15, 2026 (Projected)
- EFS Quarter 2 Disbursement- October 15, 2026 (Projected)
- EFS Quarter 3 Disbursement- January 15, 2027 (Projected)
- EFS Quarter 4 Disbursement- March 15, 2027 (Projected)
Contact Information
Email: EFS.Questions@tn.gov
Phone: For questions related to all available school choice programs, please call (615) 741-5158 and select the prompts for Office of Programs and School Choice.
What are Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarships?
Education Freedom Scholarships allow students who are residents of Tennessee and entitled to attend a public school in grades K-12 to use state funds toward education expenses, while enrolled in grades K-12 at registered Category I, II, or III non-public schools located in Tennessee, prioritizing tuition and fees.
The scholarship amount for the 2025-26 school year is $7,295.
The scholarship amount for the 2026-27 school year is $7,530.