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Tennessee revises Education Freedom Scholarship, switching to tiered priority system

Tennessee will use a tiered priority system for Education Freedom Scholarships next year, instead of a 50/50 need vs. first-come approach.
Renewing students get first priority, followed by lunch-eligible families and then higher income brackets.
The 2025-26 window opens December 9 for renewing applicants and January 13 for new applicants, with all forms due January 30.
Officials estimate funding will determine how many scholarships are available beyond the existing pool.
The Education Freedom Scholarship program provides state funds to help families pay for private education.
Senator Bo Watson highlighted the legislation allows potential program expansion without legislative action.
Renewals are prioritized to ensure continuity for students previously receiving scholarships.
New applicants with income at or below 300% of the free/reduced lunch benchmark are considered in the second and third tiers.
The act lists five tiers guiding who qualifies for scholarships as applications are received.
The department expects to publish official income eligibility guidelines via USDA resources for lunch-based qualification.

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