TDOE Begins Releasing EFS Scholarship Eligibility Decisions

Nashville, TN-Today, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) began delivering decisions to families regarding their eligibility for the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program in the 2026-27 school year.

TDOE has already reviewed all renewal applications and communicated eligibility with returning families. Eligibility decisions for new families applying to the program will be released on a rolling, weekly basis. These applications are 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.

Notably, the total number of applications increased by 31.8 percent in the program's second year, reflecting a growing demand for school choice in Tennessee. Of the families eligible to renew their scholarships, 18,644 applied to return to the program for a second year, accounting for a 99 percent renewal rate and reflecting strong family satisfaction with the program.

In the program's second year, the Education Freedom Act introduces prioritization categories that give preference to low-income families. Of the new applications received, 17,426 applied for Priority 2 and 3 income-based prioritizations, demonstrating participation from families across varied economic and demographic groups. 9,204 applications were submitted for Priority 4, demonstrating participation from students who either previously attended a public school or are entering Kindergarten, and were ineligible for Priority 2 and 3. 16,306 applications were submitted for Priority 5. More information on the prioritization categories is available here.

"Building on the successful launch of the EFS program's second year, we are excited to begin sharing new EFS application decisions with families," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to expand meaningful educational choices in Tennessee."

The application window closed on Friday, February 6, with the department receiving more than 56,000 new and renewal applications. More than 270 schools have officially registered for the 2026-27 school year, and Gov. Lee continues working with the General Assembly to increase the number of available scholarships during the 2026 legislative session.

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

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

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