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Tennessee Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Tennessee Homeschool Funding

EFS (statewide), ESA (district-limited), IEA (special needs), and access notes.

TN
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS) — statewide

Admin: Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE)

Other state programs

ESA: Education Savings Account — limited to eligible districts/ASD

IEA: Individualized Education Account — special needs ESA

Typical award

EFS: Scholarship amount set annually in law/policy; see current figure in the EFS Family Handbook.

ESA: Award amount varies by eligible district and year (posted on the ESA page).

IEA: Amount set annually; varies by student factors and district.

Disbursement: State-managed education accounts pay approved schools/providers (not cash to families).

Who qualifies (high level)

  • Residency: Student is a Tennessee resident (all programs).
  • EFS: Student attends a participating nonpublic school and meets program criteria.
  • ESA: Student meets eligibility and is zoned to an eligible district/ASD (see ESA page for current list).
  • IEA: Student has a qualifying disability and participates either via private school or approved parent-directed education.

Timeline

  • EFS: Applications open in spring for the coming school year.
  • ESA: Applications typically open in spring; rolling until seats are filled.
  • IEA: Published application windows each year (see IEA page).

Overview

Tennessee does not fund independent “home school” programs generally. Instead, families may qualify for: (1) Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), a statewide scholarship used at participating nonpublic schools; (2) the ESA program limited to certain districts/ASD; and (3) the IEA special-needs ESA, which can be used for private school or certain approved parent-directed (home education) expenses. All three programs operate through state-managed accounts and pay approved schools/providers directly.

Programs

Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS)

  • Type: State K–12 scholarship (ESA-style account) statewide
  • Award: Set annually; see current amount and rules in the EFS Family Handbook
  • Uses: Tuition/fees at participating nonpublic schools and other approved items outlined by TDOE
  • Admin: TDOE (EFS team)

EFS program page  •  EFS Family Handbook (PDF)

Education Savings Account (ESA) Program

  • Type: ESA (limited to eligible districts/ASD)
  • Award: District-based amount set yearly (see “Estimated Award Amounts” on the ESA page)
  • Uses: Tuition/fees at participating nonpublic schools and other approved educational expenses
  • Admin: TDOE (ESA team)

ESA program page  •  ESA “Next Steps for Families” (PDF)

Individualized Education Account (IEA)

  • Type: Special-needs ESA
  • Award: Set annually; varies by student/district
  • Uses: Private school tuition/fees or approved parent-directed (home education) expenses, therapies, tests, etc.
  • Admin: TDOE (IEA team)

IEA program page

Eligibility

  • Residency: Student must be a Tennessee resident.
  • EFS: Enrollment in a participating nonpublic school and compliance with program criteria.
  • ESA: Eligibility tied to specific districts/ASD and other criteria (e.g., prior enrollment or entering K); see ESA page for current rules.
  • IEA: Student meets qualifying disability criteria; cannot be enrolled full-time in public school while using IEA funds.

How to apply

  1. Open the correct program portal/page (EFS, ESA, or IEA).
  2. Complete the application and upload required documents (proof of TN residency, age, prior enrollment/IEP if applicable, acceptance at a participating school where required).
  3. After approval, set up the student account and select participating school/providers.
  4. Submit payment requests or pre-approvals per the program’s instructions; track balances and keep receipts.

EFS — Program & Family Info   ESA — Program Page   IEA — Program Page

Covered expenses

  • Nonpublic school tuition & mandatory fees
  • Curriculum & instructional materials (program-specific)
  • Tutoring / instruction (approved providers)
  • Standardized tests & assessments
  • Special education services & therapies (licensed)
  • Online courses / educational software
  • Textbooks & required supplies
  • Eligible technology (per caps)
  • Transportation allowances (if offered)
  • Always check the current program handbook for allowables/exclusions.

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
EFS application window Opens spring (announced yearly) Seats/caps and priority groups apply
ESA application window Opens spring (announced yearly) Rolling until seats are filled
IEA application window(s) Set windows each year See IEA page for current dates

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Can funds cover extracurriculars?
Program funds may pay school-required fees tied to coursework and some activities when billed by a participating school/provider. Personal equipment, travel, or purely recreational costs are generally ineligible. Always check the current handbook.
How long do reimbursements take?
Most payments are made directly to schools/providers after approval. When reimbursements are allowed, processing time varies by program and documentation; keep complete receipts and follow portal instructions.
Can I dual-enroll?
Programs limit simultaneous public-school enrollment. EFS/ESA students typically attend participating nonpublic schools; IEA students cannot be enrolled full-time in public school. See the current program handbook.

Contacts

Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS)

Program page & updates

Education Savings Account (ESA)

Program page

Individualized Education Account (IEA)

Program page

Law & regulations