If you have a child who is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling, you already know how hard it can be to find — and afford — the right support. Private tutoring from a certified educator is one of the most effective interventions available, but the cost can feel out of reach for many families.
Here's what many Tennessee families don't realize: you may already have access to funds that can cover the cost entirely. Tennessee is one of only a handful of states in the nation with not one, not two, but three active education savings account programs — and all of them allow families to use their funds for approved tutoring services.
Education Interventions is an approved vendor for Tennessee's ESA programs. Here's everything you need to know.
Tennessee's Three ESA Programs Explained
Tennessee ESA Pilot Program
Established in 2019 and first available in 2022–2023, the ESA Pilot Program targets families in specific districts and income brackets and provides the largest per-student award of the three programs.
Individualized Education Account (IEA)
Tennessee's IEA program is specifically designed for students with qualifying disabilities. There is no enrollment cap, meaning every eligible student who applies can receive funding — making it one of the most accessible programs for families of children with learning differences including dyslexia.
Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS)
The newest and most expansive program, the Education Freedom Scholarship was signed into law in 2025 — making Tennessee the first state in America with a truly universal ESA program. It is open to all K–12 students in the state regardless of income or district.
What Can You Use the Funds For?
| Expense | ESA Pilot | IEA | EFS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private school tuition & fees | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tutoring services (approved vendor) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Textbooks & curriculum materials | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Educational therapy services | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Summer academic programs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Technology & computer hardware | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| College entrance exam fees | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| After-school childcare (non-academic) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
How to Use Your ESA Funds for Tutoring — Step by Step
Confirm Your Eligibility
Visit tn.gov/education/esa to confirm which program you qualify for based on your district, income, and your child's needs. If your child has an IEP, the IEA program may be your best fit and has no enrollment cap.
Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted through the Tennessee Department of Education's ESA portal. The ESA Pilot 2026–27 application opened April 15, 2026 and closes May 15, 2026. Apply as early as possible — slots are limited.
Wait for Approval
Applications may take up to 30 days to review. If approved you will receive an email with next steps. If the program is oversubscribed you may be entered into a lottery.
Access Your Funds
Approved funds are managed through Student First Technologies — Tennessee's ESA e-wallet platform. You can view your balance, approve vendors, and submit payment requests through your ESA portal account.
Select Education Interventions as Your Vendor
Education Interventions is an approved Tennessee ESA vendor. Contact us and we will walk you through the payment process from start to finish — making it as easy as possible for your family.
Start Tutoring!
Once confirmed, sessions begin. Payments flow directly from your ESA account to Education Interventions — no out-of-pocket cost for the covered amount. Your child gets expert support. You keep your money.
Why Tutoring Is One of the Best Uses of Your ESA Funds
Why Education Interventions for Tennessee ESA Families
✅ Certified teachers only — Every tutor holds a teaching certification and brings real classroom experience. No college students.
✅ Orton-Gillingham inspired methods — Research-based structured literacy approaches proven to work, especially for students with dyslexia and reading differences.
✅ 100% virtual — Expert support from anywhere in Tennessee — Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or rural communities.
✅ Regular progress reports — You will always know exactly how your child is progressing. Full transparency with every family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ESA funds for tutoring if my child attends public school?
For the ESA Pilot and IEA, students must leave public school to participate. For the Education Freedom Scholarship, students must be enrolled in an approved private school with remaining funds available for tutoring. Contact us and we can help you understand which program fits your situation.
Do ESA funds expire?
Unspent funds roll over from year to year and remain available until your child graduates, returns to public school, or withdraws from the program. You do not lose unused funds at the end of the school year.
What if I'm not in Nashville, Memphis, or Chattanooga?
The ESA Pilot is limited to students zoned for Metro Nashville, Memphis-Shelby County, and Hamilton County. However the IEA is available statewide for eligible students with disabilities, and the new Education Freedom Scholarship is open to all Tennessee K–12 students regardless of location.
What if my child doesn't qualify for any of these programs?
We serve all families regardless of ESA enrollment. Contact us to discuss services and options. We are committed to making expert literacy support as accessible as possible for every family.
Ready to Use Your Tennessee ESA Funds?
Education Interventions is an approved Tennessee ESA vendor. Contact us today and we'll walk you through exactly how to use your funds for expert virtual literacy tutoring — at no out-of-pocket cost.
Contact Us Today →Sources: Tennessee Department of Education — ESA Program (tn.gov/education/esa); EdChoice — Tennessee ESA Pilot Program Profile (2026); EdChoice — Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Act (2026); The Sycamore Institute — Education Freedom Scholarship Act Analysis (2025); MySchoolChoice — Tennessee Universal ESA Guide (2025). ESA program details change annually — always verify current information at tn.gov/education/esa.