Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Education has reported an overwhelming response to the newly launched Education Freedom Scholarship Program, with more than 38,000 applications submitted since the program opened on May 15. The program, which offers scholarships for use at more than 200 non-public schools across the state, is Tennessee’s first universal school choice initiative.
As of Monday, the department has received 38,160 applications:
* **18,852** applications for scholarships reserved for students from households with qualified income.
* **19,308** applications for universal scholarships, available regardless of income.
These applications represent over **300 zip codes statewide**, with an average of **2,935 applications per grade level** submitted for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade.
For the 2025-26 school year, a total of **20,000 scholarships** will be awarded:
* **10,000** for income-qualified students.
* **10,000** for eligible students under the universal category.
Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds praised the response, stating, “The demand for universal school choice in Tennessee is strong, and families are embracing the freedom they have been provided through the Education Freedom Scholarship Program. All students deserve the ability to access a learning environment that best fits their unique needs.”
The department has begun reviewing applications, which are evaluated in the order they are received. Families will be notified of their application status via email from [Notifications@TheoLearning.com](mailto:Notifications@TheoLearning.com). A waitlist will be created if additional seats become available.
More information, including a list of participating non-public schools, is available on the [Education Freedom Scholarship webpage](https://www.tn.gov/education).