Governor Lee signing the Education Freedom Scholarship Plan (Photo by Governor Lee’s Administration)¶
Parents can begin applying for the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program on Thursday, May 15, 2025.¶
The Tennessee Department of Education plans to launch the application portal at 10 P.M. CT according to a news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly.¶
The General Assembly approved the legislation, frequently referred to by opponents as “school vouchers,” during January’s special session. It will allow up to 20 thousand children across the state to use $7,295 in taxpayer dollars for private school expenses including school tuition, books, and fees. Under the legislation, at least 10 thousand scholarships are reserved for students with an economic need, those with disabilities, and those participating in the existing Education Savings Account Program.¶
“A quality education has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life, and for the first time, families across Tennessee have the opportunity to choose the best school for their child,” said Governor Bill Lee. “I’m grateful that the vast majority of eligible schools intend to participate in Education Freedom Scholarships, and I have full confidence in the Department of Education’s ability to implement the program.” ¶
The state published the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program student application checklist earlier this year to provide families with the information they’ll need to gather to apply. To date, more than 200 private schools have signed up to participate.¶
“I appreciate all the families and schools who engaged throughout this implementation phase as we continue to best prepare them for the upcoming application launch on May 15,” said Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds.¶
The scholarship plan has long been a policy goal of Governor Lee. Throughout the special session it faced pushback from Democrats and some Republicans who worry the plan will ultimately take needed dollars away from public education.¶
