On February 12, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation that brings universal school choice to the Volunteer State. A priority of Governor Lee and leadership in the legislature, the Education Freedom Act gives students across the state $7,296 each to pay for education-related expenses, including private school tuition.
The Beacon Center of Tennessee, an affiliate of State Policy Network, was instrumental in advancing this reform for Tennessee students and their families. Beacon has worked for years to inform policymakers and the public about the benefits of education choice, including programs like the Education Freedom Act.
Through policy research, media appearances, op-ed placements, social media campaigns, and other outreach, Beacon highlighted the benefits of empowering parents with more choices when it comes to their child’s education.
Those efforts first paid off in 2015, when Tennessee enacted an Education Savings Account (ESA) program for students with special needs, which made Tennessee just the fourth state in the nation with an ESA program. With the help of the Beacon Center, the state expanded that program in 2019, giving 15,000 students trapped in a failing school district access to the program. And on January 30, lawmakers expanded it further to make all K-12 students in Tennessee eligible for funding to customize their education.
Justin Owen, Beacon Center’s President and CEO, noted:
“The passage of universal school choice legislation is a monumental step for Tennessee families, providing them with the freedom to choose the best educational opportunities for their children, regardless of their background or ZIP code. This historic step empowers parents to take control of their children’s education, ensuring every family has access to the quality learning environment they deserve.”
Other groups involved in this win for Tennessee include America First Policy Institute, American Federation for Children, Americans for Prosperity, EdChoice, Club for Growth, TennesseeCAN/50CAN, ExcelinEd, and yes. every kid.
America’s education system is unfortunately failing to give children the quality education they need and deserve. That fact was reiterated in late January when the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the Nation’s Report Card. Among the lowlights was the revelation that millions of America’s fourth graders and eighth graders can’t read or write at a basic level.
Our current education system isn’t meeting the needs of all students. While some public schools excel in preparing students for college, careers, and life—many fall short. Children in failing school districts deserve alternative options, whether that’s another public school, a private school, homeschooling, or an innovative option like a microschool.
With an ESA, parents have access to these alternative options regardless of their income level or ZIP code. Empowered to choose, parents can select the best learning environment for their children.
Tennessee is the 13th state to enact a universal education choice program, which means all K-12 students are eligible to access funding to help pay for an education that best fits their unique needs.
Other states with universal education choice programs include Alabama, Arizona, West Virginia, Arkansas, Iowa, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. 97% of students presently qualify for Indiana’s program and lawmakers are considering expanding eligibility to fully universal this legislative session.
Several states are considering education freedom legislation and could pass these reforms by the end of the year. SPN is working with affiliates across the country to expand these policies to even more states.
Justin Owen added: “With years of support from the State Policy Network, which has been with us every step of the way, providing resources to educate the public and assisting with the implementation of our existing programs, Tennessee is now one of just 13 states leading the nation in universal education choice, setting a powerful example for others to follow. We can’t wait to continue partnering with SPN as we grow this program and make Tennessee the education freedom leader of America.”
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