Does Lamplighter Montessori School take the Education Freedom Scholarship?
Yes. Lamplighter Montessori School signed up for EFS for 2026-27, which means a scholarship holder can apply the $7,530 to tuition and required fees here and keep any remainder for approved costs.
The parent approves each school charge in the EFS portal, and TDOE funds the account in four installments across the year.
Can an MSCS-zone ESA student use the account at Lamplighter Montessori School?
Not right now. Lamplighter Montessori School is not on the West Tennessee ESA list updated September 24, 2026, so ESA money cannot be spent here unless TDOE approves the school later.
ESA approval is separate from EFS registration, so it is worth asking whether the school has applied.
What do state and federal records show for Lamplighter Montessori School?
Lamplighter Montessori School serves grades PK-8 in Cordova, Shelby County, with no religious affiliation reported. TDOE's 2026-27 directory reports 130 students; the NCES 2021-22 survey counted 86; the NCES staffing figures imply roughly 6 students per teacher. Memberships reported to the federal survey: American Montessori Society.
| Program | This school | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee approval | Category III (AMS (NCPSA), Cognia) | Tells you which programs can pay, says nothing about quality |
| Education Freedom Scholarship | Signed up for 2026-27 | $7,530 a year for each EFS student |
| ESA (MSCS zone) | Not on the 9/24/26 list | $10,132.54 for eligible MSCS-zone students |
| IEA (IEP required) | Category permits IEA use | The school must also agree to take IEA students |
What should a family ask Lamplighter Montessori School about tuition and aid?
The state lists leave these questions open:
- Will you sign up for EFS again for 2027-28, and are you approved for the ESA if our address is in the MSCS zone?
- What is tuition for my child's grade, and what fees are billed separately?
- Which need-based aid, sibling discount or member rate applies after the state award?
- Does the school take part in MOST, and does its aid form require an EFS or ESA application?
- Is the preschool a Smart Steps provider, and does it run a district pre-K room?
What other private schools are close to Lamplighter Montessori School?
This directory lists 12 schools in Cordova & Eads, 8 of them EFS-registered for 2026-27. Split between MSCS and a municipal district, so ESA eligibility depends on the exact address. See all schools in Cordova & Eads →
Lambs & Ivy School
Cordova · Grades PK-2
State status & funding →Christian SchoolsBriarcrest Christian School
Eads · Grades PK-12
State status & funding →Christian SchoolsEvangelical Christian School (Middle & Upper School)
Cordova · Grades 4-12
State status & funding →Christian SchoolsFirst Assembly Christian School
Cordova · Grades PK-12
State status & funding →Christian SchoolsHeritage Baptist Academy
Cordova · Grades PK-6
State status & funding →Catholic SchoolsSt. Benedict at Auburndale
Cordova · Grades 9-12
State status & funding →