Appeals Process- ESA Program

Appeals for Applicants and Account Holders

Families may appeal the department’s decision to deny, suspend, or terminate a student’s participation in the ESA Program. If a family is appealing the decision for multiple children, a separate appeal form must be completed for each child in the portal. You can use this document for assistance in completing the ESA Appeals Form.

Step 1 Appeal

The Step 1 Appeal form for application denial can be found under the “Denied” status in the account holder’s portal account. Please login to your ESA account if you wish to appeal an application denial.

If you wish to appeal the notice of misspent funds, suspension, termination, or removal from the ESA program, please use the appeal form below:

Step 2 Appeal

To file a Step 2 Appeal for applicants and account holders, please complete the form linked below and email it to ESA.Questions@tn.gov. The Step 2 Appeal Form must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the notice of denial of the Step 1 Appeal.

Appeals for Applicant Schools and Participating Non-Public Schools

Step 1 Appeal

To file a Step 1 Appeal for applicant schools and participating non-public schools, please complete the form linked below and email it to ESA.Questions@tn.gov. The Step 1 Appeal Form must be submitted within 10 business days of receipt of the notice of application denial, suspension, termination, and/or removal.

Step 2 Appeal

To file a Step 2 Appeal for applicant schools and participating non-public schools, please complete the form linked below and email it to ESA.Questions@tn.gov. The Step 2 Appeal Form must be filed with the Commissioner by the school within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the notice of denial of the Step 1 Appeal.