Thousands More Applied for Tennessee Vouchers. What Does that Mean for Shelby County?

Thousands more applied for Tennessee vouchers. What does that mean for Shelby County?

Last year, 5,500 Shelby County students got about $45 million in public funding to use at private schools by participating in the state’s two major school voucher initiatives. Even more vouchers could be on the way.

Lawmakers question school choice program as record number apply

(The Center Square) – The Tennessee Department of Education received more than 50,000 applications for Education Freedom Scholarships, but lawmakers from both parties said they still have questions about the program.

UPDATE: More than 50,000 TN school voucher applications submitted in 2 days

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year's Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship have already exceeded last year's numbers, with over 50,000 submissions in just two days. Governor Bill Lee plans to work with the General Assembly to accommodate the growing demand.

Private-School Voucher Expansion Faces Tennessee GOP Opposition

Republican leader Sexton wants to double the program; rural lawmakers push back. Image: Dickson Republican Rep. Jody Barrett says he will oppose a plan backed by Gov. Bill Lee to expand the number of private school vouchers handed out. Image Credit: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout ***Note from The Tennessee Conservative – this article posted here for informational purposes only. By: Sam Stockard [Tennessee Lookout -CC BY-NC-ND 4.0] – Plans to s…