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Tennessee Education Savings Account Program

Flexible Education Funding for Eligible Families in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga

The Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Program gives qualifying families in select school districts the power to customize their child’s education using public funds. Families can receive more than $9,000 per year to use on tuition, tutoring, testing, and other approved educational expenses—designed to give your child a better learning experience and brighter future.

This is an opportunity for Tennessee families to choose the learning path that fits their values, goals, and needs—with support from American Virtual Academy every step of the way.

Apply for ESA Funds

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for a Tennessee ESA, your child must:

  • Be a Tennessee resident
  • Live in one of these districts:
    • Memphis-Shelby County Schools
    • Metro Nashville Public Schools
    • Hamilton County Schools
    • A school in the Achievement School District
  • Be from a household earning no more than 200% of the federal income eligibility guidelines for Free and
    Reduced-Price Lunch
  • Meet one of the following enrollment criteria:
    • Previously attended a Tennessee public school
    • Is enrolling for the first time in a Tennessee school
    • Previously received an ESA
    • Attended a TN public school or became eligible in 2019–2022

Note: Students must also enroll in a state-approved private school and remain in a qualifying district. If a student moves to another district, they may lose eligibility.

Apply for Tennessee ESA Funds

What’s Covered by Tennessee ESA Funds?

Families can use ESA funds for a wide range of approved expenses:

  • Tuition and fees at a state-approved private school
  • Tutoring services and academic support
  • Books and required textbooks
  • Technology, hardware, and learning devices
  • Uniforms, transportation, and educational programs
  • Exam and college readiness fees (AP, ACT, SAT)
  • Postsecondary tuition and course materials
  • ESA management fees (up to 2%)

Note: Unused funds roll over from year to year, as long as the student remains eligible.

How Much Can My Family Receive?

ESA awards are based on your school district’s funding formula, with a maximum of:

  • $9,423.58 (Shelby and Davidson Counties)
  • $9,346.05 (Hamilton County)

Note: Funds are deposited quarterly and may be used throughout the school year.

How to Apply

The application is managed by the Tennessee Department of Education and opens annually for eligible families. The program currently has an enrollment cap of 15,000 students statewide.

Apply for ESA Funds

If more applications are received than available spots, a lottery will prioritize:

  1. Siblings of current Tennessee ESA recipients
  2. Students zoned to a priority school
  3. SNAP recipients
  4. All other eligible applicants

How Much Can Families Receive?

  • You must use a state-approved private school
  • Reimbursement is not allowed
  • Students must take the state test (TCAP) annually
  • ESA funds may not be shared or refunded
  • You may use personal funds to supplement ESA-covered expenses

Looking for a Flexible Online Private School?

American Virtual Academy provides an accredited, student-centered learning experience built around the values that matter most to families. Our team can help you apply for the Tennessee ESA funds, plan your child’s course schedule, and stay compliant with state guidelines.

Explore American Virtual Academy
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