IEA Program Information for Participating Schools

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the IEA Program. Please see the IEA Participating Non-Public School Handbook for a complete list of the qualifications, responsibilities, and requirements for participating schools. To participate in the Tennessee Department of Education’s (department) Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program and accept IEA funding from an IEA account holder for payment for tuition, fees, and/or textbooks, an interested non-public school must:

  • be listed on the department’s non-public schools list,
  • apply to the department,
  • receive approval, and
  • be placed on the approved list of IEA participating schools posted in the “Resources” section of the IEA webpage.

On February 20, 2024, the IEA team held a virtual forum featuring four IEA participating non-public schools from across the state. Representatives from each school answered questions related to their favorite or most challenging part of participating, how much time is devoted to meeting IEA requirements, and what decided them to join with IEA. A recording of that forum can be found on the “Resources” page of our website.

Applications for non-public schools to participate in the IEA Program are accepted year-round. School principals/directors must annually re-apply to participate in the IEA Program; the department strongly encourages each school to apply early to ensure that the school's application is fully approved and to ensure that parents are aware of all school options by the beginning date of the contract year, July 1. Complete the application by following the instructions listed on the IEA Non-Public Schools “Application” page.

To be eligible to participate in the IEA Program, a participating school must agree to comply with requirements including, but not limited to the following:

1. Be located in Tennessee, and be listed on the department’s non-public schools list.

2. Comply with all state laws, rules, and procedures for non-public schools.

3. Comply with all health and safety laws or codes that apply to non-public schools.

4. School staff must have completed criminal background checks as defined by the IEA Program rules (rules of the SBE Chapter 0520-01-11).

a. Staff must never have been convicted of a felony, including conviction on a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or order granting pre-trial diversion.

5. Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a non-public school.

6. Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students.

7. Be able to accept the IEA debit card.

8. Do not discriminate against students or applicants on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

9. Comply with the minimum kindergarten age requirement pursuant to T.C.A § 49-6-201(b)(3) Minimum Kindergarten Program Law and the State Board of Education rules for non-public school approval - Chapter 0520-07-02 Non-Public School Approval Process.

Participating non-public school rights and responsibilities are outlined in chapter 2 of the IEA Participating Non-Public School Handbook.

If at any time the information submitted in the application changes, including, but not limited to, the email address, physical address, and phone number, the school shall report the changes to the department by emailing IEA.Questions@tn.gov within 15 days of any changes.