Tennessee ESA Applications Are Open Through October 15 for Second-Semester Enrollment

Families in select Tennessee communities still have an opportunity to apply for an Education Savings Account (ESA) for the second semester of the 2026–27 school year.

The Tennessee Department of Education has opened its second-semester ESA application window for eligible students, with applications due October 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CT. Students approved through this application period would begin attending their participating school in January 2027.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for ESA?

Tennessee’s ESA program is available to eligible students who are zoned to attend:

• Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Hamilton County Schools
• Certain schools that were part of the Achievement School District as of May 24, 2019

The program allows eligible families to use state and local education funds toward approved educational expenses, including tuition and fees at participating non-public schools.

For the second semester of the 2026–27 school year, participating students receive half of the full-year ESA award amount.

Considering a Different School for the Second Semester?

For families considering a change for the second half of the school year, the current ESA application period provides an opportunity to explore other educational options for January.

Virstone Preparatory Academy is a Tennessee private online K-12 school designed for families looking for an accredited education with greater flexibility in when and where students learn.

Virstone combines online coursework with support from educators, giving students the ability to complete school around their schedules while continuing to work toward their academic goals.

Eligible families may be able to use ESA funding toward tuition at participating schools such as Virstone.

Apply for ESA by October 15 here.

Learn More About Virstone at virstone.org 

Important ESA Dates for Families

For families considering second-semester enrollment, key dates currently listed by the Tennessee Department of Education include:

• October 15, 2026: Second semester ESA applications close at 4:00 p.m. CT

• November 16, 2026: School enrollment verification deadline for second semester 

• December 15, 2026: Deadline for second semester account holder contracts and expense budgets

• January 2027: Students approved for the second semester program begin attendance

Families should review the Tennessee Department of Education’s ESA information and requirements carefully to determine eligibility and complete all required steps.

Looking for an Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS)?

The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) and Education Savings Account (ESA) are separate Tennessee programs.

EFS applications for the 2026–27 school year are currently closed.

For the 2027–28 school year, renewal applications are expected to open in December 2026, and applications for new students are expected to open in January 2027.

Virstone Preparatory Academy is an approved participating school for Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship program, allowing eligible families to use EFS funds toward tuition at Virstone.

Families interested in EFS for the 2027–28 school year should watch for upcoming application dates and announcements from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Explore Virstone Preparatory Academy

Whether your family is looking for a new option for January or planning for the next school year, Virstone offers a flexible approach to private online education for Tennessee students in grades K–12.

Have questions about enrollment or whether Virstone may be a good fit for your student? Connect with our Admissions Team at (888)-497-6111 or email us at admissions@virstone.org. You can also schedule a meeting directly with a team member here.