Tennessee Education Savings Account

The Education Savings Account (ESA) program allows eligible students who are zoned to attend Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Hamilton County Schools, or a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) on May 24, 2019, to use state and local money toward education expenses, including tuition and/or fees at approved participating non-public schools. The award amount varies by county

How much is an ESA? Can it pay for all school expenses?

Each approved student, regardless of grade, location, or family size, will receive the same amount for the ESA. For the 2023-24 school year, that amount is $9,069.80 for Memphis and Nashville and $8,943.67 for Hamilton County. Account holders (parent/guardian if the child is under 18 years old) can decide how to spend this money between tuition, required books and technology, uniforms, and other allowable educational expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

A student is eligible to receive an ESA if they meet all of the following criteria:

1.  Tennessee resident zoned to a qualifying school district

• Must be a resident of Tennessee and zoned to attend a Memphis-Shelby County district school, a Metro Nashville public school, a Hamilton County public school, OR a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) on May 24, 2019.

2. Annual income that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch

• Check the income eligibility guideline here.

3. Meets one of the following enrollment requirements

• was previously enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for the one full school year immediately preceding the school year for which the student receives an ESA;
• is eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee school; Please note: If the child is turning 5 years old between August 15 and September 30, a letter of admission from the director of a school is required and should accompany the application. The letter must indicate that through testing and evaluation, the child was found sufficiently mature emotionally and academically to enter kindergarten.
• received an ESA in the previous school year;
• was enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for one full school year in 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year; or
• was eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee public school in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year.

Which private schools are eligible to receive ESA funds?

Genesis Virtual Academy at Tennessee

GVA@TN is a virtual private school and a program of Powered by Education. GVA@TN offers asynchronous learning and is fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Association (NSLA) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education as a Category II private school in Tennessee. GVA@TN gives families the ability to learn from home with flexibility and is a Participating School in the Tennessee Education Savings Account (TNESA) program.

There are many more eligible private schools! You can find an up to date list of participating private school by visiting the Tennessee Department of Education.

How can I apply?