We want to make you aware of an important opportunity for families interested in the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) for the 2026–2027 school year. The EFS application for NEW students will open on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CT). To help families prepare, the Department of Education has released several new and updated resources designed to guide applicants through the process.

New EFS Resources

EFS Step-by-Step Application Guide (Written Instructions)

EFS Step-by-Step Application Guide (Video Instructions)
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Additional Helpful Resources

2026–27 EFS Family Handbook – Detailed information on scholarship availability, eligibility, application steps, and program participation

2026–27 EFS New Student Application Checklist – Helps families gather required documentation ahead of the application opening

EFS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Answers common questions and will continue to be updated as needed

We strongly encourage interested families to review these materials before the application opens so they are prepared to apply as soon as the portal becomes available. 
 

The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Renewal Application for the 2026-27 school year will open for current recipients on December 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. CT.  Current recipients must submit a renewal application to continue in the program for the next academic year. 

What You Need to Know  

• The Qualified and Universal Scholarship designations were applied only to the 2025-26 school year. Beginning with 2026-27, scholarships will be awarded based on the prioritization outlined in the Education Freedom Act of 2025.
• Current recipients will receive top priority for scholarship awards for the next academic year.
• The renewal application is streamlined from the application you submitted last year.

How to Renew 

• When renewal applications open, log in to your existing EFS account and click “New/Renewal Application” to complete a renewal application.
  • Prior to completing a renewal application, you may be prompted to sign the Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement for the 2025-26 school year upon logging in to your existing portal account, if you have not already done so.
• A Renewal Application Checklist is attached to this email with additional details about the renewal process and eligibility requirements.
• Renewal applications must be completed in the online portal using your account holder credentials. Paper applications will not be accepted for renewal.

Important Deadlines

• To be considered for continued participation, renewal applications must be submitted by January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT.
• The Education Freedom Act is designed for current recipients to receive a scholarship in the next school year, subject to eligibility, regardless of the order in which their applications are received. Current recipients are encouraged to submit their renewal applications as soon as practicable to expedite scholarship awards.  All scholarships are subject to available appropriations.
• Applications for students who are not currently EFS recipients will open on January 13, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT.

Helpful Resources 

• EFS 2026-27 Renewal Checklist
• EFS Webpage

If you have any questions, please contact EFS.Questions@tn.gov. We look forward to supporting your continued participation in the EFS Program.

EFS Program Update 11/24/25

Dear USJ Families,
 

The Tennessee Department of Education has released important dates and instructions for families currently participating in the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program. We want to be sure you are aware of the renewal timeline and prepared to complete the necessary steps to continue receiving scholarship funds for the 2026–27 school year. This year’s renewal application has been streamlined and will require fewer steps than the original application.
 

Important Dates

• December 1, 2025: All current EFS recipients will receive an email from the state containing guidance documents and resources to support completion of the 2026-27 renewal application.  
   

• December 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CT: EFS Renewal Applications Open 
  All current EFS recipients must submit a renewal application for the upcoming academic year.
   

• January 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT: Application window opens for students who are not currently EFS recipients. All waitlisted applicants will apply as new applicants.
   
• January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CT: Deadline for all applications. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered for continued participation.

How to Renew Your EFS Scholarship

1. Log in to your existing EFS account when the renewal window opens.
2. Select “New/Renewal Application” to begin the process.
3. If you have not yet signed the Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement for 2025–26, you may be prompted to do so before accessing the renewal application.
4. Families will receive an additional email from TDOE on December 1 with resources and guidance to help complete the renewal.
5. Please note that paper applications will not be accepted for renewal—applications must be submitted online using your portal credentials.

If you have questions about the state’s EFS process, please contact EFS.Questions@tn.gov. 
 

We will continue to communicate any updates that may impact our families.
 

Warm regards,

University School of Jackson

11/2024


As you may know, the Tennessee legislature recently passed the Educational Freedom Act (EFA), a program that will provide scholarships that families can apply towards private school tuition.  While the state Department of Education is still finalizing details on its implementation, we would like to provide an important update and address a few common questions.

USJ’s Board of Trustees has been thoughtfully considering the opportunities and risks of accepting the Educational Freedom Scholarships (EFS) and has formally made the decision to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are hopeful about how a $7,295 scholarship could help make USJ more affordable for our families. At the same time, please be assured that the Board remains committed to protecting the school’s independence, mission, and values. The current law explicitly states that accepting Educational Freedom Scholarships will not affect a school’s autonomy in areas such as creed, practices, admissions, hiring, or curriculum, nor does the program expand the state’s regulatory authority over private schools. However, should any future changes to the program conflict with USJ’s mission, independence, values, or governance, the Board will reevaluate the school’s continued participation.

We will keep you updated as we learn more about the program’s implementation. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this new opportunity for our school and community.

Sincerely,

Matt Fite                                                            Don Roe
Chair, Board of Trustees                                Head of School