Tennessee School Voucher Program: EFS, ESA & Home Education

Education Freedom Scholarships: the statewide school route

Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program supports residents entitled to attend public school in grades K–12 while enrolled in registered Category I, II or III nonpublic schools in Tennessee. The official page lists a $7,530 scholarship for 2026–27 and prioritizes tuition and fees. Independent home education does not by itself meet this participating-school condition. First choose an eligible school and determine its full tuition and fees, then assess the scholarship’s contribution.

Current-year applications and spending timing

At the September 17, 2026 review, the state page says EFS applications for 2026–27 are closed. It lists projected funding events and a projected October 19, 2026 marketplace launch for students with no pending tuition. These are program dates, not a promise of funds for a new applicant or permission to buy a supplement today. Current recipients should follow their EFS portal and handbook; new families should watch official next-cycle announcements.

EFS, the ESA program and IEA are different programs

Tennessee also maintains a separate Education Savings Account program and an Individualized Education Account program. The state’s school-choice comparison links their eligibility and participation rules. Do not assume an article about the older ESA program describes EFS, or that a targeted disability account is available to every homeschool family. Use the program name on the student’s award when checking a school, provider or purchase.

Before buying curriculum with a Tennessee award

For EFS, tuition and fees come first. Verify the student’s remaining balance, whether the account can access the marketplace, and whether the proposed curriculum or service qualifies under the current handbook. A separately purchased app is not automatically covered because it is educational. For independent home education, establish whether any targeted program fits the child before treating state school-choice funding as a curriculum budget.

Federal scholarships starting in 2027

Tennessee has made an advance election to participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit) for 2027. The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC/FSTC) is separate from the state options above. ECCA refers to its earlier legislative proposal.

IRS participation list, as of 2026-09-14: advance election recorded. An advance election does not establish an approved SGO list, an open student application or an awarded scholarship. Check the Education Freedom Tax Credit guide and how to find an SGO for the next steps.

Can Tennessee EFS pay for independent homeschool curriculum?

EFS requires enrollment in a registered eligible nonpublic school. It is not a general independent-homeschool allowance. Other targeted programs have separate eligibility and spending rules.

How much is the Tennessee EFS scholarship for 2026–27?

The official state page lists $7,530 for 2026–27. Tuition and fees have priority; that amount is not automatically available for supplemental curriculum.

Are 2026–27 EFS applications open?

The official page said applications were closed at our September 17, 2026 review. Follow the state’s current application announcements rather than assuming a new award is available.

Can Tennessee homeschool families use these options?

A private-school scholarship and independent home education are different arrangements. Check the eligible-school requirement rather than assuming the award can fund an independent homeschool curriculum. Tennessee’s other targeted education programs have separate rules.