162 private schools signal interest in participating in the Education Freedom Scholarship Program

Governor Bill Lee signing the Education Freedom Scholarship Act of 2025 in February (Photo by Governor Lee)

The Tennessee Department of Education released the list of 162 private schools that have shown interest in participating in the recently passed Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program.

That list includes more than three dozen schools in Shelby County and more than two dozen in Davidson.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation creating the program to allow families to use tax dollars to send their children to private school during the special session earlier this year. Families will be able to apply for that assistance in the 2025/2026 school year.

“A quality education has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I’m grateful that Tennessee parents will have the opportunity to choose the best school for their child through the Education Freedom Scholarship Program,” said Governor Lee. “I commend the participating schools for their partnership to deliver excellent educational choices for parents in the coming school year.” 

Graphics by the Tennessee Department of Education

According to a news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly, the state plans to announce a formal application process for families later this spring. Interested Tennessee families can sign up to learn more here.

Up to 20,000 families will be able to utilize the scholarship for tuition and other private school uses.

“Education is not one size fits all, and I am grateful to Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for their efforts to ensure that every child in our state can reach their full potential,” said Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. “The EFS Program puts families at the forefront of their child’s education by empowering them to choose the best school to fit their needs, setting their child up to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”