Thursday, May 8, 2025
State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, is encouraging interested families in Trousdale and Sumner counties 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 best fit a child’s needs. Families are encouraged to apply early and have all necessary documents and information readily available.
“Parents know the needs of their children and deserve the ultimate say in their K-12 learning plan,” said Slater, who serves as chair of the House Education Administration Subcommittee. “Education Freedom Scholarships will put parents in the driver’s seat, helping improve academic outcomes and setting Tennessee students up for success. I strongly encourage all interested families in Trousdale and Sumner counties to consider applying for this important new program.”
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 noon Central Time 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 tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/efs/EFS_ApplicationChecklist.pdf.
The General Assembly passed the Education Freedom Act during January’s special session. The scholarship program will grow with demand, with 5,000 universal scholarships added for each subsequent year after applications exceed 75 percent of total scholarships.
More than 200 private schools across Tennessee have announced their intent to participate in the EFS program for the 2025-26 school year. Visit tn.gov/education/efs.html for an updated list of participating schools.
Slater represents District 35 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Trousdale and part of Sumner counties. He is chair of the Education Administration Subcommittee and also serves on the Education Committee, Insurance Committee and K-12 Subcommittee.
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