All Tennessee students can apply for the program, which provides a $7,295 scholarship to attend a private school that will be best fit for a child’s needs.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, is encouraging interested families in Montgomery County to apply for Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS) beginning May 15.
All Tennessee students can apply for the program, which provides a $7,295 scholarship to attend a private school that will be best fit for a child’s needs. Families are encouraged to apply early and have all necessary documents and information readily available.
“Every student deserves the chance to learn in an environment that fits their unique needs and strengths,” Maberry said. “While Montgomery County is home to many strong public schools, Education Freedom Scholarships give parents more flexibility to choose what’s best for their child. This program opens new doors for students across the Volunteer State to thrive both academically and personally. I strongly encourage all interested Montgomery County families to explore this opportunity and apply.”
The Tennessee Department of Education (DOE) will administer 20,000 scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year. Half of these will be reserved for eligible students based on income (qualified scholarships); the other half will be available for any interested student across the state (universal scholarships).
To be considered for a qualified scholarship, applicants have to demonstrate income eligibility through a 2024 Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, proof of eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, or proof of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Students can also be considered if they are eligible for the Individualized Education Account Program or the Education Savings Account Program.
All students must be five years old by Sept. 30, 2025, have spent no more than 13 years in school, and be entering grades K-12 to be eligible. They must also be residents of Tennessee and lawfully present in the United States. The application portal opens at 12:00 p.m. CT on May 15.
Two documents will be required to prove Tennessee residency. Additionally, one document will be required for proof of United States citizenship, or, if applicable, two documents will be required for proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
Scholarships will be awarded in the order the DOE receives completed applications. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, acceptable forms and a student application checklist, please visit this link.
The General Assembly passed the Education Freedom Act during January’s special session, establishing statewide school choice and making historic investments in public education. The scholarship program will grow with demand, with 5,000 universal scholarships added for each subsequent year after applications exceed 75% of total scholarships.
More than 200 private schools across the Volunteer State have announced their intent to participate in the EFS program for the 2025-26 school year.
For an updated list of participating schools, please visit the DOE’s website.
Tennessee Republicans have invested $4.4 billion new dollars in public education over the last decade and provided more than $1 billion in teacher pay raises during the same time. The balanced $59.5 billion budget lawmakers approved in April included $244 million to strengthen education through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula growth, including teacher pay raises and $198.4 million for teacher bonuses.
Aron Maberry represents House District 68 which includes part of Montgomery County. He serves on the Education Committee, K-12 Subcommittee, Transportation Committee and Government Operations Committee.
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