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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Free Press Opinion: Gov. Bill Lee says education freedom program needs to double capacity

AP Photo by George Walker IV / Governor Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Nashville.
AP Photo by George Walker IV / Governor Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Nashville. AP Photo by George Walker IV / Governor Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Nashville.

One year ago, we opened the doors of opportunity for Tennessee families with Education Freedom Scholarships – a school choice program for students in all 95 counties across our state – and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We cast a strong vision to put parents back in the driver’s seat, give families a say in their child’s education and give every child access to the education that best fits their unique needs – because every child learns differently.

Today, that vision is a reality, with 20,000 students thriving in a classroom that’s right for them – and families who, at last, have a choice in their child’s education.

But what really tells the story? Soaring demand.

Last year, 40,000 students applied for 20,000 Education Freedom Scholarships.