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What does Tennessee ESA cover?
Search a specific purchase against Education Freedom Scholarship and targeted ESA programs's published expense rules.
Is it covered by Education Freedom Scholarship and targeted ESA programs?
Type what you want to buy, for example a product name, a class or a service. We check it against the program's published expense rules and show the rule.
Your state's program makes the final decision. A purchase made with your own card may not be paid back.
Check a specific Tennessee ESA expense
Wondering whether Tennessee ESA covers a laptop, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, swim lessons, piano lessons or speech therapy? Enter the exact item in the checker above. Then review the program rule and payment conditions before buying.
All expense categories and Tennessee rules
Every category, with the Tennessee rule
Covered: usually coveredDepends: covered with conditionsNot covered: usually not coveredNot stated: not stated by the program
- Covered
Private school tuition & fees
Tuition and fees required by the EFS-registered non-public school; must be paid first, before any other expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Online school & virtual courses
Not among the handbook's listed allowable-use categories beyond the enrolled EFS-registered school itself.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Curriculum, textbooks & workbooks
Required textbooks, curricula and instructional materials at the enrolled school.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Reading books & e-books
Only "required textbooks" tied to curriculum are addressed; general reading/library books not separately mentioned.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
School supplies & consumables
Consumable items/materials such as pencils and folders explicitly listed as unallowed.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Computers, tablets, software & internet
Computer hardware/devices via EFS-registered school or provider; laptop and tablet each purchasable once per 3 years; no internet service or standalone software.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Tutoring
Individual tutor must hold an active TN teaching license; agency must meet SBE accreditation requirements.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Classes, co-ops & camps
Tuition/fees for approved summer academic programs and specialized after-school academic programs only, not childcare.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Music, art & sports lessons
Extracurricular and athletic fees explicitly listed as unallowed.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Educational therapies
Educational therapies/services for participating students, provided by a department-approved licensed therapist.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Testing, exams & evaluations
Fees for entrance exams required for college admission and industry credentials, plus early postsecondary opportunity course fees.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
College courses, dual enrollment & CTE
Fees for department-approved early postsecondary opportunity courses covered; general dual-enrollment tuition not separately listed.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Transportation
Fees to a commercial fee-for-service provider (e.g. bus) only; private transportation by parent/family/student excluded.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
School uniforms
Required school uniforms at the non-public school in which the student is enrolled.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Field trips, museums & educational travel
Field trips explicitly listed as an unallowed expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Desks, instruments & learning equipment
Not addressed beyond the technology category in the Family Handbook.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25.
Education Freedom Scholarship and targeted ESA programs explicitly excludes: Late fees or costs due to canceled/missed appointments; Food; Before-school and after-school care; Summer camp (non-academic); Extracurricular and athletic fees; Consumable supplies (pencils, folders, etc.); Field trips; Personal/private transportation; Internet service; Standalone software not bundled into an approved package.
Next
Before buying: The program decides whether the exact item and payment route qualify. A direct card purchase may not be reimbursed.
More about ESA purchase decisions
Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check Education Freedom Scholarship and targeted ESA programs's current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.