TDOE Releases 2023-24 Education Savings Account (ESA) Report

Significant Gains in ESA Program's Second Year

Nashville, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced significant gains in participation and academic outcomes for the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, reflecting a growing demand for educational choice and flexibility. The release of the 2023-24 Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) report highlights the second year of the program in operation.  

The ESA program allows students who are zoned to attend a Memphis-Shelby County Public School, a Metro Nashville Public School, a Hamilton County Public School or a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) on May 24, 2019, to use state and local funding toward pre-approved education expenses, including tuition and/or fees at approved, participating non-public schools.

“A quality education has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I’m pleased with the positive gains students are making through enrollment in Tennessee’s Education Savings Account Program,” said Governor Bill Lee. “It’s time to build upon this foundation of progress and deliver school choice for all Tennessee parents through the Education Freedom Act.”

“The ESA program provides eligible Tennessee families with added opportunity in finding the best educational environment for their students,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “This report shows families are satisfied with the educational opportunities afforded by the program, and we are encouraged by the academic performance of the students participating.”

ESA program highlights for the 2023-24 school year include:

• Participation in Tennessee’s ESA program grew by 362% in its second year, with 2,088 students enrolled in non-public schools using ESA funds.
• An overwhelming 99% of participating families reported satisfaction with the program, reinforcing the value of providing parents with educational options.
• ESA students achieved a 4-point increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency and a 6-point increase in Math proficiency on the TCAP between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• ESA students in Memphis-Shelby County outperformed public school students in ELA and matched their proficiency in Math, while economically disadvantaged students in the ESA program outperformed their public school peers in ELA and Math.  
• Nearly half (46%) of ESA participants identify as Black or African American, and 33% as White, showcasing the program’s broad reach.

View the full report here. For a full list of participating schools, click here. To learn more about the ESA program, click here.  

 For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

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