Applications More Than Double Available Spots
Tennessee’s newly launched universal education savings account program has exceeded expectations in its inaugural year, with family demand more than double available capacity, according to data released Friday by the Tennessee Department of Education.
The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Program, which became law in February following passage during an extraordinary legislative session, received 42,827 applications for just 20,000 available scholarships. The program represents Tennessee’s first foray into universal school choice, removing income and geographic restrictions that previously limited student eligibility.
Key Metrics of Early Success
The program’s reach extended across nearly the entire state, with applications coming from 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Ultimately, scholarship recipients represent 86 counties and are enrolled at 220 of the 241 eligible nonpublic schools statewide.
Notably, demand was roughly equal between income-qualified and universal applications. This suggests broad appeal across all sorts of families. Contrary to critics, education freedom is empowering for families of all backgrounds across the Volunteer State.
Policy Context and Implementation
The legislation emerged from Governor Bill Lee’s longstanding priority for expanding educational opportunities and gained momentum following his focused advocacy during the 2024 election cycle. The program allocates scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis, with 10,000 reserved for income-qualified families and 10,000 available universally.
Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds highlighted the “tremendous interest from families across the state” in announcing the results, noting that the program maxing out validates parental demand for more empowerment in education.
What’s Next?
Tennessee’s first universal school choice program has launched with overwhelming demand, reshaping the state’s education landscape.
With demand exceeding supply by more than 100%, future expansion seems likely to emerge as a legislative priority. The current $144 million annual appropriation covers the initial 20,000 scholarships, but the overwhelming demand for the program may spur lawmakers to expand it to more students next school year.
The challenge ahead is whether lawmakers move to expand funding to meet the appetite of families eager for more options or allow a longer EFS waitlist to develop.
