The ESA student application for the full 2026-27 school year has closed. The ESA student application for the second semester will open on September 1, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT and will close on October 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT. The second semester award amount is half of the full year award, and students will begin attendance in January 2027.
Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Program
The estimated ESA award amount for the 2026–27 school year has been released for all ESA school zones [Memphis–Shelby County, Metro Nashville (Davidson County), and Hamilton County].
The current estimated amount is $10,148.88 per student.
• This amount is only an estimate.
• The final ESA award amount has NOT been set yet.
• The amount may increase or decrease.
• The official, final ESA award amount will be announced this summer.
What This Means for Families & Schools
• You can use this estimate to begin planning.
• However, be prepared for changes once the final amount is released.
What is the ESA program?
The ESA program allows eligible students who are zoned to attend Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Hamilton County Schools, or a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) on May 24, 2019, to use state and local money toward education expenses, including tuition and/or fees at approved participating non-public schools.
The Tennessee Education Savings Account Program (ESA) was established and guided by state law, Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-2601 et al. and State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-16. Chapter 1069 of the Public Acts of 2026 amends the testing requirements for this program.
Contact Information
For Application Questions: ESA.Applications@tn.gov
For Enrollment and School Questions: ESA.Questions@tn.gov
For Finance Questions: ESA.Finance@tn.gov
ESA Key Dates
April 15, 2026: ESA student application for 2026-27 school year opens.
May 26, 2026: ESA student application for 2026-27 school year closes.
June 30, 2026: Deadline for families to select school and for school to verify enrollment.
July 30, 2026: Deadline for families to submit ESA account holder contract and budget.
