NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee’s new private school voucher program, which provides $7,300 to 20,000 students in its first year, could more than double in size in 2026, a move projected to cost the state at least an additional $144 million.

While supporters champion the program as “education freedom,” critics argue it’s a “handout to wealthy parents” that could further strain public school resources.

The program, designed to grow by 5,000 vouchers next year, is now being eyed for a significant expansion by Republican leaders.

In an interview with WSMV4 Investigates, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, indicated a desire to increase the number of vouchers to meet what he called high demand.

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Tennessee releases data on new school voucher program

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