Memphis, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A recent report from the Tennessee Department of Education indicates that students in the Education Savings Account voucher program in Memphis are displaying academic progress similar to public school peers. Notably, voucher students are performing slightly better in reading. The program, which allows families to utilize state funds for private school tuition, has seen over 33,000 applications since its launch. However, it may lead to a significant student enrollment decline for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, which could impact the district’s budget significantly.
MemphisโAccording to a recent report released by the Tennessee Department of Education, students in grades 3-11 who are part of the Education Savings Account voucher program in Memphis are showing similar year-to-year progress in reading and math compared to their public school peers. The study indicated that voucher students performed slightly better in reading, while their performance in math was comparable to that of local public school students.
The annual report details the performance trends of students participating in the voucher program, which allows families to use state funds for private school tuition. Since its launch on May 15, over 33,000 families in Tennessee have applied for the Education Freedom Scholarship program, which provides approximately $7,300 in state funds per student. This program was recently expanded to include families from all 95 counties in Tennessee, making it accessible to a broader audience than it was previously.
There are currently 20,000 scholarships available under this program, with half of the scholarships designated as income-based. To qualify, lower-income families must have an income below 300% of the federal free or reduced lunch guidelines, or they must qualify for TANF or SNAP benefits. However, specific enrollment numbers for students in the new voucher program have not been disclosed.
A detailed analysis conducted by a local media outlet revealed that most families benefiting from the voucher program reside in higher-income zip codes. Consequently, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district is anticipating a loss of around 2,500 students due to this transition to the voucher program in the upcoming school year, which may significantly impact their nearly $2 billion budget. MSCS officials have expressed concerns that this decline in enrollment could lead to potential school closures.
In response, the interim superintendent of MSCS is focusing on enhancing public school options and encouraging families to remain within the district to mitigate the impact of the changes prompted by the state’s growing emphasis on school choice. Currently, at least 230 private schools have registered to accept the scholarships from the new program. Parents interested in applying for vouchers will need to provide proof of Tennessee residency and student citizenship status.
Despite the expansion of school choice initiatives, MSCS remains dedicated to improving student outcomes and maintaining a competitive educational environment.
Key Features of the Education Freedom Scholarship Program
- Launched on May 15, accessible in all 95 counties in Tennessee.
- Offers approximately $7,300 in state funds per student for private school tuition.
- 20,000 scholarships available, with half income-based.
- Eligibility for lower-income families defined by 300% of federal free/reduced lunch guidelines or qualifying for TANF/SNAP.
- Over 33,000 families have applied for the program since its launch.
Impact on Memphis Schools
- MSCS anticipates losing 2,500 students to the voucher program in the next school year.
- Concerns over budget implications, as the district operates on a nearly $2 billion budget.
- Potential for school closures due to declining enrollment.
- Focus on enhancing public school options by MSCS to retain students and families.
Enrollment and Performance Data
- Voucher students in Memphis show similar year-to-year progress as public school students.
- Slightly better performance in reading compared to public school counterparts.
- No disclosed enrollment numbers for the new voucher program yet.
FAQ
What is the Education Savings Account voucher program?
The Education Savings Account voucher program allows families to use state funds for private school tuition in grades 3-11.
How much funding do families receive through the Education Freedom Scholarship program?
Families receive approximately $7,300 in state funds per student for private school tuition.
How many scholarships are available under the Education Freedom Scholarship program?
There are currently 20,000 scholarships available, with half being income-based.
What impact is the voucher program expected to have on Memphis schools?
MSCS anticipates losing around 2,500 students to the voucher program next school year, which could impact their nearly $2 billion budget and potentially lead to school closures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Students Show Progress with Education Vouchers
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Program Raises Concerns
Declining Enrollment in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Tennessee Launches Initiative to Combat Food Insecurity and Health Disparities
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Reviews School Closures
Smooth Start for Memphis Schools Amid Challenges
President Trump Intensifies Measures Against Homeless Encampments
New Pocket Park in Memphis to Enrich Children’s Experiences
Tennessee Lawmakers Initiate $6 Million School Audit
Memphis Faces Increase in Gun Violence Amid Ongoing Investigations
Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Area Private School Voucher Recipients Map
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- WREG: School Vouchers in Affluent Areas
- Google Search: Tennessee School Vouchers
- Local Memphis: Concerns About Vouchers in Memphis Schools
- Google Scholar: School Vouchers Tennessee
- Fox 13 Memphis: Tennessee School Voucher Program Applications Open
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Voucher
- Action News 5: Pushback Against School Voucher Program
- Google News: Memphis School Voucher News
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
