What is the ESA program?
The 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 Tennessee Education Savings Account Program (ESA) was established and guided by state law, Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-2601 et al. and State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-16.
The Tennessee Education Savings Account Program (ESA) was established and guided by state law, Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-2601 et al. and State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-16.
To be eligible for the ESA program, the student must meet one of the following 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.
Upon receipt of an application, a confirmation email will be sent. Application review can take up to 30 business days based on volume received. Families can review the status of their application by logging into the online application webpage. Upon review, families will receive an email with a decision and next steps.
To Qualify for Benefits
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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
2. Annual income that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch
Each additional member beyond 8 - $13,988
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Options for showing proof of income are limited to the following:
1. Federal tax return (Form 1040, most recent for 2024) Please note: The name, address, entire list of dependents, and Line 9 of the document must be visible. Individuals listed on the 1040 are considered household members, and the total income (line 9) is the amount used for calculating income eligibility with household size. The student’s name should be listed as a dependent. Eligibility letter for any of the following assistance programs 2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - current benefits documentation should list the name of the parent and student, dated within the past 365 days, 3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - current benefits documentation should list the name of the parent and student, dated within the past 365 days, or 4. TennCare Medicaid current benefits letter. (Please note: There are limited TennCare program types that will demonstrate meeting the income eligibility requirement for ESA, and the student must be listed as the recipient of the benefits). |
