Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program

The Tennessee Department of Education has announced key dates and instructions for both current participants and new applicants of the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program. We want to ensure you are informed about the application and renewal timeline, and prepared to complete the required steps to receive or maintain scholarship funding for the 2026–27 school year. This year’s renewal application has been simplified and will involve fewer steps than the initial application.

Key Dates

December 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. CT
Application window opens for 2026–27 EFS renewal applications
(For students currently receiving EFS funds at the time of application)

January 13, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT
Application window opens for 2026–27 new EFS applications

January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT
Application window closes for ALL 2026–27 EFS applications

How to Renew Your EFS Scholarship

1. Log in to your existing EFS account once the renewal window opens.

2. Select “New/Renewal Application” to start the renewal process.

3. Sign the Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement, if you haven’t already done so for the 2025–26 school year. You may be prompted to complete this before accessing the renewal application.

4. Check your email on December 1, when TDOE will send additional resources and guidance to help you complete the renewal.

5. Submit online only—paper applications will not be accepted for renewals. Use your portal credentials to complete the process.

   Please be advised that applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received by the online application system.