Tennessee Legislature Passes Landmark Education Freedom Act 

“Tennessee has solidified its place as a leader in education choice with the passage of the Tennessee Education Freedom Act. This groundbreaking legislation empowers parents with greater control over their children’s education and opens doors to opportunities previously out of reach for many families. 

“We commend Gov. Bill Lee, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Senate Leader Jack Johnson, and House Leader William Lamberth for their unwavering commitment to Tennessee’s students and families. Their leadership ensures that more families, regardless of income or ZIP code, have access to the tailored education they both want and deserve for their children. 

“The Tennessee Education Freedom Act is demonstration of the Volunteer State’s continued commitment to educational opportunity and parental choice, paving the way for a brighter future for all its students.” 

 About the Education Freedom Act (SB6001/HB6004) 

The Tennessee Education Freedom Act establishes Education Freedom Scholarships, which families can use to customize their children’s education. Funds can be used for private school tuition and fees, then tutoring, online learning programs and other personalized educational services. 

• Starting in the 2025-26 school year, 20,000 scholarships will be available to Tennessee students, with 10,000 reserved for students at or below 300% of income qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, have a disability or are eligible for the existing state’s existing ESA program.  

• In the 2026-27 school year and beyond, the bill provides universal eligibility for all Tennessee students but would prioritize currently enrolled students, low-income and public school students if demand exceeds available funding. 

• The program will expand to meet family demand, adding 5,000 universal eligibility scholarships each year that 75% of available scholarships are awarded. 

• Scholarships, equal to the current per-pupil base funding ($7,075 in 2024-25), will help cover private school tuition and fees first, with remaining funds available for other approved education expenses. 

• Lawmakers have allocated a total of $149 million to support the program in the first year.