Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program
EFS Applications Closed for 2026-27 School Year
The EFS application window closed on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT.
2026-27 EFS Application Resources
All Applicants
New Applicants
EFS New Application Checklist (includes eligibility requirements, approved documentation)
- EFS New Application Checklist (Arabic)
- EFS New Application Checklist (Chinese)
- EFS New Application Checklist (Spanish)
EFS Step-by-Step Application Guide Written Instructions
EFS Step-by-Step Guide Video Instructions
ESA Eligibility Worksheet for EFS (required only if applying for Priority 2 under ESA Eligibility)
Renewal Applicants
- EFS Renewal Application Checklist (includes eligibility requirements, approved documentation)
What is EFS?
During the Tennessee General Assembly's extraordinary legislative session in January 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-3501 et al., and Governor Bill Lee signed the landmark legislation on February 12, 2025, to establish Tennessee’s universal school choice program into law. The Tennessee EFS Program is also guided by State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-24.
EFS Key Dates
Application Window Opens for 2026-27 EFS Renewal Applications
(This is only for students receiving EFS funds at the time of application.)
December 9, 2025, 12 p.m. CT
Application Window Opens for 2026-27 New EFS Applications
January 13, 2026, 12 p.m. CT
EFS Quarter 3 Disbursement
January 15, 2026 (Projected)
Application Window Closes for ALL 2026-27 EFS Applications
February 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT
EFS Quarter 4 Disbursement
March 15, 2026 (Projected)
Contact Information
Email: EFS.Questions@tn.gov
Phone: For questions related to all available school choice programs, please call (615) 741-5158 and select the prompts for Office of Programs and School Choice.
What are Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarships?
Education Freedom Scholarships allow students who are residents of Tennessee and entitled to attend a public school in grades K-12 to use state funds toward education expenses, while enrolled in grades K-12 at registered Category I, II, or III non-public schools located in Tennessee, prioritizing tuition and fees.
The scholarship amount for the 2025-26 school year is $7,295.