Families participating in the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program have an important date coming up.

The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced that the renewal application for the 2026-27 school year opens on Dec. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET for current EFS recipients. To continue in the program next year, families must complete a renewal application in the EFS portal.

Below is a quick overview of what this means and how to prepare, written with current EFS families in mind. 

When does the Tennessee EFS renewal window open?

The renewal window for current recipients opens on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET. This is the first day that families who already receive EFS funds can submit a renewal application for the 2026-27 school year, according to TDOE.

New applications for students who are not currently receiving EFS scholarships are scheduled to open on Jan. 13, 202,6 at 1 p.m. ET.

Who needs to complete an EFS renewal application?

Every current EFS recipient who wants to continue in the program must submit a renewal application. If you received EFS funds for the 2025-26 school year and you would like to use the scholarship again for 2026-27, you will need to renew through the online portal.

TDOE said current recipients receive top priority for scholarship awards for the next academic year, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and submit their renewal by the state deadline.

What is the deadline for EFS renewals?

To be considered for continued participation in the EFS program, renewal applications must be submitted by Jan. 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.

TDOE encourages families to submit their renewal applications as early as possible in the window to help expedite award decisions.

How do I submit my EFS renewal application?

When the renewal window opens:

1. Log in to your existing EFS account in the online portal.
2. Click on "New or Renewal Application" to begin your renewal.
3. Complete the required information and upload any documents listed on the renewal checklist.
4. Submit the application before the January 30 deadline.

According to TDOE, you may be prompted to sign the Parent or Guardian Participation Agreement when you log in if you have not already done so. Once that is signed, you can move forward with the renewal application.

Renewal applications must be submitted through the online portal. Paper applications are not accepted for renewals.

What has changed for the 2026-27 school year?

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the EFS program shifts to a single statewide prioritization system set by Tennessee law. This new system determines how scholarships are awarded if the number of applications is greater than the number of available scholarships.

Under Tennessee law, scholarships would be awarded in the following order:

1. Current EFS recipients. Students who received an EFS scholarship in the previous school year receive the highest priority for renewal.
2. Students with the greatest financial need or who meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes:
   • Students whose annual household income is at or below 100% of the amount required to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, or
   • Students who meet eligibility definitions in other Tennessee education statutes, such as students with certain disabilities.
3. Students from households earning up to 300% of the free or reduced price lunch threshold.
4. Students currently enrolled in a public school or are eligible to enter public kindergarten.
5. All other eligible students, in the order in which TDOE receives completed scholarship applications.

Where can I find an EFS application checklist?

Click here to access TDOE's 2026-27 Renewal Student Application Checklist. It includes information about the required documentation needed for renewal applications.

How St. Nicholas School partners with EFS families in Chattanooga

If you are a current EFS family and have questions about how the scholarship works at St. Nicholas School, or if you are just starting to explore the program, we are happy to help.

St. Nicholas School is an approved EFS school in Chattanooga. We are committed to partnering with families who want their child to be known, challenged, and supported in a nurturing Christian environment that values curiosity, creativity, and community.

Visit our Tennessee EFS page to learn more about how the scholarship works at St. Nicholas School.

You can also call us at 423-899-1999 or email our Admissions Director, Kate McBryar, at kmcbryar@stns.org. We are glad to walk with you as you navigate the EFS renewal process and explore the best school fit for your child.