Where do I apply to be a Tennessee EFS and ESA vendor?

Start from the official Tennessee program page: https://www.tn.gov/education/esa/schools-service-providers.html

How do Tennessee EFS and ESA providers get paid?

ESA providers must give families a receipt for every expense paid with ESA funds. ESA payment amounts depend on the eligible services each family requests from you.

How to become a Tennessee EFS and ESA vendor

Tennessee runs two programs providers should know: the statewide Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS), whose marketplace is opening this school year, and the Education Savings Account (ESA) for students in Memphis-Shelby, Nashville, Hamilton County and former Achievement School District zones, which contracts directly with up to 200 service providers.

Official vendor registration Build my document checklist

Checked against official sources on Oct 8, 2026

Run by

Tennessee Department of Education

ESA provider deadline

March 31, 2027 (first 200 approved)1

EFS marketplace

Projected to open Oct 19, 20262

Provider types

3 with their own documents

$7,530

Education Freedom Scholarship amount for the 2026-27 school year.2

Who can apply

ESA families can spend on tutors, therapists, summer and after-school programs, technology and uniforms, postsecondary courses and transportation from qualified providers.1
ESA providers apply online through the 2026-27 ESA Service Provider Application; paper applications aren't accepted. Contracts start 7 to 21 business days after the state approves your application.3
Every provider in both programs must keep documentation of a fingerprint-based TBI/FBI background check for anyone who provides services to students, and of the credentials showing they meet the Department's qualifications.4

Documents by provider type

Tutors (ESA)

An active Tennessee teaching license, or accreditation from a recognized body such as Cognia/AdvancED, SACS CASI, MSA, NEASC, WASC, NWAC or COE.5

Educational therapists (ESA)

Direct, individualized services that improve academic performance, provided by a therapist who meets State Board Rule 0520-02-03-.05 and holds any required license or certification.5

Transportation and summer programs (ESA)

Transportation must be a licensed commercial business using company-owned vehicles; family members and ride-share services don't qualify. Summer programming is instruction outside the school year and can't be child care.5

How you get paid

1ESA providers must give families a receipt for every expense paid with ESA funds.3
2ESA payment amounts depend on the eligible services each family requests from you.1

What trips providers up

For fingerprinting you first set up an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) and user agreement with the TBI, by sending a letter on company letterhead. Results usually come back 2 to 5 days after an employee is printed at an IdentoGO location.6
The ESA contract is a standard pro forma: redlines and alternate terms aren't accepted.3

Sources

1.ESA Service Providers Request for Applications (FY2027), Tennessee Dept. of Education, p. 3, updated Jul 27, 2026
2.Education Freedom Scholarship program page, Tennessee Dept. of Education, updated Oct 8, 2026
3.ESA Service Providers Request for Applications (FY2027), Tennessee Dept. of Education, p. 4, updated Jul 27, 2026
4.EFS Background and Fingerprinting Guidance for Service Providers, Tennessee Dept. of Education, p. 1, updated Aug 24, 2026
5.ESA Service Providers Request for Applications (FY2027), Tennessee Dept. of Education, p. 5, updated Jul 27, 2026
6.EFS Background and Fingerprinting Guidance for Service Providers, Tennessee Dept. of Education, p. 2, updated Aug 24, 2026

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Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0

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