Second-Year Momentum Surges for Tennessee’s EFS Program

More Than 56,000 Applications Received

Nashville, TN-Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released numbers demonstrating the strong and ongoing demand for the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program among families statewide.

Following the closing of the application window on Friday, February 6, the department received more than 56,000 new and renewal applications, with nearly half of the new applicants applying for income-prioritized scholarships. More than 260 schools have officially registered for the 2026-27 school year.

For the 2026-27 school year, the department received a total of 56,442 applications:

• 18,644 renewal applications received.
• 37,798 new applications received.
• 17,426 applicants applied for income-based prioritization.
• Applications have been received from 94 counties in the state.
• An average of 4,342 applications per grade level have been submitted for students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.

"Interest in the Tennessee EFS Program has remained strong across the state in its second year," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "Families are making thoughtful decisions about their children's education, exploring a variety of options to ensure every child can find the best fit for a unique academic journey."

The department has reviewed all renewal applications and communicated decisions with families. New applications will be processed by priority category and in the order in which they are received by the department. Families will receive an email from [email protected] with application status updates and next steps.

To learn more about the EFS Program, visit the EFS webpage.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact [email protected].

###