Tennessee Education Savings Account Program (ESA)

At Miacademy, we’ve been hard at work partnering with various state funding agencies across the country. Our goal is to make a quality education accessible for every student, and we’re accomplishing our goal one state at a time. 

If you’re homeschooling in Tennessee, we have some exciting news to share! 

Miacademy is now a participating service provider for the Education Savings Account in Tennessee! 

You can now access Miacademy’s accredited online homeschool curriculum with funding allocated by the Tennessee Department of Education.

What is the ESA in Tennessee? 

The Tennessee ESA helps students in certain counties pay for tuition at Category I-III schools and select participating nonpublic schools. This opportunity allows students to receive a high-quality educational experience that may not be possible otherwise.

The estimated amount for the 2025-26 school year is between $9,772.47 and $9,800.38, depending on which county you live in. There will be 7,500 seats available for this school year.

Students may use their funding to cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms, tutors, and other pre-approved expenses.

Who Qualifies for the ESA in TN?

To qualify, the student must be in grades K-12 and younger than 22. If your student reaches their 22nd birthday during the school year, they may finish that year but may not re-enroll.

In addition, the student must meet all of the following:

1.  Must be a Tennessee resident.

2.  Must live in the boundaries of one of the following school districts: 

• Achievement School District
• Hamilton County Schools
• Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Metro Nashville Public Schools

3.  Annual household income must not exceed twice the free lunch qualifying amount set by the federal government.

4.  Must meet at least ONE of the following: 

1. Attended a Tennessee public school for the entire school year right before the current one
2. Is eligible to enroll in a Tennessee school for the first time
3. Received an education savings account last school year
4. Attended a Tennessee public school for the full 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year
5. Was eligible to enroll in a Tennessee public school for the first time in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year

To apply for the Tennessee ESA program for the 2025-26 school year, you must submit your application by May 1, 2025 for priority enrollment and by July 1, 2025 for non-priority enrollment. 

Winter 2026 applications will open on August 1 and will close on December 1, 2025.

How Do I Get Miacademy with the TN ESA?

First, you’ll need to apply online within the application window, provide proof of income, and two forms of proof of residency. 

You can check the status of your application in the ESA portal. Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive an email with the results of your application and instructions for next steps.

To get Miacademy with your Tennessee ESA funding, all you need to do is purchase our curriculum through the E-Wallet Online Portal.

Your ESA funds may not be used for:

• Late fees or missed appointment charges
• Food
• Before- or after-school care
• Summer camp (however, academic summer programs are allowed)
• Extracurricular or athletic activity fees
• Field trips
• Personal transportation
• Internet services or any type of software (unless part of an approved bundle)

For a full list of allowed and disallowed expenses, be sure to read the Tennessee ESA Parent Handbook.

FAQ 

Who is eligible for the ESA in Tennessee? 

To qualify, a student must:

• Be in grades K–12 and under age 22 (students who turn 22 during the school year may finish that year only). B
• e a Tennessee resident living in one of these school districts: Achievement School District, Hamilton County, Memphis-Shelby County, or Metro Nashville
• Have a household income must be no more than twice the federal free lunch limit

Meet one of the following: attended a Tennessee public school last year, is enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time, received an ESA last year, attended or was eligible to attend a TN public school for the first time in 2019–20, 2020–21, or 2021–22.

How much does the Tennessee ESA pay? 

During the 2025-26 school year, it is estimated that students will receive a maximum benefit of $9,800.38.