TENNESSEE EDUCATION FREEDOM SCHOLARSHIP

State-funded scholarships to help Tennessee families choose the school that best fits their child.
APPLY/LEARN MORE
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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. For the 2025-26 school year the projected award is approximately $7,295 per student.

APPLICATION TIMING

December 9th, 2025: Applications for RENEWALS opens*

January 13th, 2026: Applications for NEW APPLICATIONS opens at 1:00PMEST**

January 30th, 2026: All Applications closed

*Renewal applications open for students currently receiving an EFS scholarship. Families must reapply during this window to keep their scholarship for the upcoming year.

**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, 2026. 

HOW EFS WORKS

APPLICATION STEPS

STEP ONE
PREPARE DOCUMENTS

Gather proof of residency, identity, and any documents listed on the TDOE checklist.

NEW APPLICANT CHECKLIST
RENEWAL CHECKLIST

STEP TWO
CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT

The portal opens on the date announced by TDOE and accepts submissions on a first-completed-first-serve basis while funds last.

CREATE ACCOUNT

STEP THREE
COMPLETE THE STUDENT APPLICATION

Follow prompts and upload the required documents. Double-check all fields before final submission.

STEP FOUR
SELECT OR CONFIRM YOUR SCHOOL

Make sure your chosen school is registered to accept EFS students. Knoxville Catholic is registered.