Empowering Tennessee Families with More Educational Freedom
Starting in 2025, the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Act offers every family in the state the opportunity to customize their child’s education using public funds. Students will receive $7,296 per year to use toward tuition and fees at approved private schools, including online options like AVA, and any remaining funds can be applied to a wide range of learning expenses.
This scholarship program is designed to give parents the flexibility to choose the educational path that best reflects their values and goals. AVA is here to support your family in navigating eligibility, enrollment, and course planning.
Note: AVA does not administer this program but can help guide you through using your scholarship toward our accredited online learning experience.
Apply for ESA Funds
Who Qualifies for the Scholarship?
In 2025, the program is open to all Tennessee families. However, the first 10,000 scholarships are prioritized for students who meet one or more of the following:
- Household income below 300% of the free-and-reduced-lunch threshold
- Already participate in existing Tennessee school choice programs
- Have a state-recognized disability
The next 10,000 scholarships are open to all remaining applicants. From 2026 onward, the program may expand by 5,000 students per year if 75% or more of the scholarships are awarded.
If more applications are submitted than scholarships available, a tiered priority system will determine the award order.
Apply for Tennessee ESA Funds
What Can the Scholarship Cover?
Funds must first be used for private school tuition and fees. After that, remaining funds can be applied toward:
- Tutoring and academic support
- Books, textbooks, and curriculum
- Educational software and technology
- School uniforms and transportation
- College entrance exams (ACT, SAT, AP)
- Summer or afterschool academic programs
- Industry credentials and dual credit courses
- Early postsecondary opportunities
💡 Good to Know:
Unused funds roll over each year, as long as the student remains eligible.
How Much Can My Family Receive?
Every student who participates in the program will receive $7,296 in 2025 — the same as the base funding amount in Tennessee’s public-school formula (TISA). This amount will increase annually as the formula adjusts.
The program is funded through a one-time state appropriation of $144.2 million, with no budget cap and an initial enrollment limit of 20,000 students in its first year.
How to Apply
Parent Responsibilities
- Apply through the Tennessee DoE
- Enroll the student full-time in a private school
- Meet state attendance laws (§ 49-6-3001(c)(1))
- Do not enroll in public school while receiving funds
- Follow all program guidelines
School Requirements
- Administer either a national norm-referenced test or the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)
- Submit results to the Office of Research and Education Accountability
Looking for a Fully Online Private School?
American Virtual Academy is an accredited, full-time private school accepting Tennessee students who qualify for the scholarship. Our team can help your family:
- Understand scholarship rules
- Plan a custom course schedule
- Stay compliant with testing and enrollment requirements
Apply for ESA Funds
