Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS)
State-funded scholarships to help Tennessee families choose the school that best fits their child.
The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) is a state program that provides scholarship awards to eligible Tennessee K–12 students to pay for private school tuition and approved educational expenses. For the 2025–26 school year the projected award is approximately $7,295 per student.
Who can apply?
Tennessee resident K–12 students who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present.
How many awards?
Up to 20,000 scholarships in the program’s first year.
Application timing
Applications open through the TDOE portal. The 2025–26 application opened May 15, 2025.
How EFS Works
Program overview:
EFS is a state-funded scholarship that is intended to be equivalent to the state funding per student formula. Families use scholarships to pay tuition at participating private schools or approved educational expenses per program rules. Amounts are set each year by TDOE and are projected to change with the state funding formula.
Award amount & availability:
Projected award for 2025–26: $7,295 (subject to final appropriation).
First-year cap: 20,000 scholarships statewide. Up to 10,000 of those are prioritized for lower-income families, eligible special needs students, or those already eligible for certain existing choice programs. The remainder are available to other eligible Tennessee students.
Eligibility basics:
To be eligible a student must:
Be a Tennessee resident entitled to attend a public K–12 school.
Be a U.S. citizen or be lawfully present in the U.S.
Be enrolled in a registered Category I, II, or III non-public school in Tennessee prior to funds being awarded.
- Note: The King’s Academy is a registered Category II and III non-publick school.
Key Dates for the 2026–27 EFS Application Cycle
December 9, 2025
Renewal applications open for students currently receiving an EFS scholarship. Families must reapply during this window to keep their scholarship for the upcoming year.
January 13, 2026
New EFS applications open for students who are not currently scholarship recipients.
January 30, 2026
Application window closes for both renewal and new applications. No late submissions will be accepted by the state.
Students who applied last year but did not receive funding are considered new applicants for the 2026–27 school year and should apply beginning January 13.
Application Steps
Step 1-
Prepare documents
Gather proof of residency, identity, and any documents listed on the TDOE checklist.
Step 2-
Create your account
The portal opens on the date announced by TDOE and accepts submissions on a first-completed-first-served basis while funds last.
Step 3-
Complete the student application
Follow prompts and upload required documents. Double-check all fields before final submit.
Step 4-
select or confirm your school
Make sure your chosen school is registered to accept EFS students.
PRO TIPS:
Be ready at the announced launch time. EFS awards often run out. Many schools recommend families apply as soon as the portal opens.
If you prefer downloads, pack documents into a single ZIP to speed uploads.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Required Documents
The Tennessee Department of Education publishes an official Eligibility & Application Checklist. Families should use that checklist when preparing to apply.
If your child is accepted for EFS, scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition and other authorized costs at The King’s Academy once we confirm the award. Families must complete both the TDOE application and TKA enrollment steps.
Enrollment requirement: Students must be enrolled in a TKA program that is registered as a qualifying non-public school in Tennessee prior to TDOE awarding funds. Confirm TKA’s registration status with our admissions office if you are unsure.
Common Questions:
Who can apply?
Every Tennessee K–12 student who can attend a Tennessee public school and who is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present. See TDOE for specifics.
Is EFS need-based?
For the first year, half of the initial 20,000 scholarships are prioritized for lower-income students and certain eligible populations, but the program opened to all eligible families. Check TDOE updates for priority categories and timelines.
What if a family cannot prove lawful presence?
State law requires lawful presence for program participation. Families who cannot document lawful presence will not be eligible under current state guidance. Recent coverage notes the program excludes undocumented students. Families should consult TDOE guidance and legal counsel if needed.
When should I expect funds to be disbursed?
The TDOE FAQ explains timing and disbursement procedures. Schools receive guidance directly from TDOE once awards are finalized. Families should keep in touch with both TDOE and school billing offices.