Last verified: October 2026
Which Memphis-area private schools are allowed to register for EFS?
Two things qualify a school: a label of I, II or III, and a building in Tennessee, owned or rented, where its students actually learn and sit their tests. Schools with label IV or V are turned away.
TDOE treats category approval and EFS registration as two separate processes, and a school needs both.
What is the EFS registration window for 2027-28?
Per TDOE's page for schools, the 2027-28 sign-up opens November 16, 2026, shuts April 30, 2027, and will not reopen for latecomers.
Category questions go to Private.Schools@tn.gov; EFS registration begins with a verified school representative writing to EFS.Questions@tn.gov.
How do EFS dollars reach a Memphis school?
The family approves each charge in the EFS portal, and TDOE funds accounts in four parts during the year: half in August, then 20% in October, 20% in January and 10% in the spring. Schools must confirm student enrollment in the portal before each school year.
Billing otherwise follows the school's contract with the family.
Should a Shelby County school also seek ESA approval?
Yes, if it enrolls students zoned to Memphis-Shelby County Schools. ESA approval is separate from EFS registration; the West Tennessee list updated September 24, 2026 has 48 local campuses.
IEA participation applications are accepted year-round, which gives Category IV and V schools a route to serve students with IEPs.
| Step | State label (I-V) | EFS sign-up |
|---|---|---|
| Who signs off | TDOE, or an accreditor the State Board recognizes | The EFS office at TDOE |
| How long it lasts | Depends on the label | One school year |
| Required for EFS money | Yes, label I, II or III | Yes |
| Next chance | Labels I and V: January to May | Nov 16, 2026 to Apr 30, 2027 |