More than 33,000 apply for the Education Freedom Scholarship

Stock phot of a teacher and student (Photo by the Tennessee Department of Education)

The Tennessee Department of Education received more than 33,000 applications for the Education Freedom Scholarship within hours of opening its online portal Thursday.

The state encourages interested families to continue applying for the program, as a waitlist will be established, should additional seats become available according to a news release.

“The response to universal school choice in Tennessee has been an overwhelming success,” said Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. “Families have embraced the educational opportunities that have been unleashed for their students through the state’s Education Freedom Scholarship program.”

Governor Bill Lee signed the legislation creating the program in February, allowing up to 20 thousand families to use $7,295 in taxpayer dollars to pay for private school expenses. At least 10,000 of those scholarships would be reserved for students with an economic need, those participating in the existing Education Savings Account program, and students with a qualifying disability.

The program has long been a policy goal for Governor Lee, as he argues that school choice will provide children with educational opportunities, even if they come from an economically disadvantaged background.

Governor Bill Lee (Photo by Governor Lee’s Office)

“For the first time, families in all 95 Tennessee counties will have the opportunity to enroll their child in the school that best fits their needs, regardless of income or ZIP code,” said Governor Lee in a statement. “I’m grateful to the schools that have registered to participate in the Education Freedom Scholarship program and look forward to delivering excellent educational choices for students.” 

The state encourages families who are still planning to apply to utilize online resources, including a step-by-step guide, an application checklist, a family handbook, and frequently asked questions.

The Education Freedom Scholarship Act passed this year despite opposition from every Democrat serving in the Tennessee General Assembly and 21 Republicans. Opponents frequently refer to the program as vouchers, and they worry it will take money away from traditional public schools.

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis, continued that criticism in a statement emailed to the Tennessee Firefly this week, calling the program a “billion-dollar boondoggle” that shortchanges students and teachers.

“It’s a shame private school vouchers have made it this far. We’ve seen the evidence—vouchers drain public schools of resources, lead to worse outcomes for students, and waste millions in public tax dollars. The data is clear: Vouchers do not work,” said Lamar. “If wealthy families want to send their kids to private schools, that’s their right. But they shouldn’t expect the public to foot the bill. Tennessee’s public tax dollars belong in public schools—where those funds are subject to accountability, oversight and where every student is welcome.”

Updated with information on the first day of applications.