If you told us 10 years ago that we’d bemoan the fact Tennessee increased the number of its Education Freedom Scholarships for students to attend private schools, we’d have thought you lost your senses.
Of course, 10 years ago, the state had none of what its critics call “vouchers.” But, beginning in 2019 with the Education Savings Account program (not court-approved until 2021), the state got into the business. And then in early 2025, it passed the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, offering 20,000 students the opportunity to attend private schools on (at least partially) the state’s dime.
(IN THE NEWS: Tennessee House narrowly votes to expand private school grants to 35,000 students)
On Thursday, the state Senate passed a bill increasing the number of scholarships available from 20,000 to 35,000, and it prioritized students already in the program and new applicants with lower family incomes. The measure now goes to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.
Before we go further, let us reiterate our long support for scholarship-type programs. But we believe they should have started small, been limited to low-income students, been wholly transparent and been measurable on par with public school students.