In Tennessee, families and conservative groups are working hard to grow a program called the Education Freedom Scholarship Act. It passed earlier this year and gives 20,000 students a voucher worth about $7,300 to use for private school.
That means instead of being forced to stay in a failing public school, parents can use that money to send their kids somewhere better, like a private school, a charter school, or even homeschool.
Local groups like TennesseeCAN and Americans for Prosperity have been holding town halls, knocking on doors, and spreading the word. A poll shared by TennesseeCAN on X (July 17, 2025) shows that 70% of Republican voters trust parents (not the government) to make education decisions.
That’s a clear sign people are ready for change.
Governor Bill Lee, who has long supported school choice, said the goal is to “empower parents” and end the “government monopoly” on education.
Now lawmakers are talking about removing income limits so even more families can use the program in 2026.
What’s Happening in Arkansas
Arkansas has its own version of school choice through the LEARNS Act, passed in 2023.
This law created Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), which give families public money to help cover costs for private school or homeschooling.
Just this week, groups like The Reform Alliance held community meetings in places like Little Rock and Fayetteville to help parents learn how to sign up.
Interest is growing fast, especially in rural areas where public schools often struggle. Since June, applications for EFAs have gone up 15%, according to the state’s Department of Education.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants to put another $180 million into the program next year to help more families take part – and because Arkansas doesn’t have strong teachers’ unions, there’s less resistance than in other places.
Why Conservatives Support It
School choice is about freedom. It’s about giving parents control over their children’s education.
It’s also about competition. When schools have to compete for students, they have to work harder to do better.
Back in January, 33,000 students applied for Tennessee’s 20,000 scholarships. That shows just how hungry families are for options.
State Senator Brent Taylor said that competition would push public schools in Memphis-Shelby County to finally fix big problems, like constant changes in leadership. In Arkansas, groups like The Reform Alliance are making sure rural families are included too.
That proves school choice isn’t just for big cities or rich folks; it’s for anyone who wants a better future for their kids.
What Critics Say
Teachers’ unions and their allies say vouchers take money away from public schools. The Tennessee Education Association claims public schools could lose $45 million as students leave.
Some critics also say private schools don’t have to take every student, especially those with special needs. But conservatives argue that public schools already have special programs, and parents should be free to choose what works best for their child.
They also point out that public schools already get a lot of money and still fall short. Tennessee is near the bottom in national test scores despite years of funding increases.
Why You Haven’t Heard Much About It
Most media outlets are focused on big national headlines – court cases, immigration, and hot-button social issues.
These wins, however, are happening step-by-step, more slowly and quietly.
Town halls and committee meetings don’t make flashy headlines, but that doesn’t make them any less important.
The Big Picture
Tennessee and Arkansas are just two parts of a much bigger story. States like Arizona, Iowa, and West Virginia are all moving toward more school choice. Earlier this month, Congress passed a national law that lets states opt into a school choice system.
For many parents, especially in small towns and struggling school districts, these programs are a lifeline.
They offer real hope, real choice – and real freedom.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
