Does Donelson Christian Academy accept the Education Freedom Scholarship?
Yes. Donelson Christian Academy is on the Tennessee Department of Education's 2026-27 list of EFS-registered schools, so a student with an Education Freedom Scholarship can apply the $7,530 award to tuition and fees here, with any remainder available for approved extras.
TDOE releases EFS money to the school in four installments (50% in August, 20% in October, 20% in January, 10% in March), and the family approves each tuition payment in the EFS portal.
Can a Metro Nashville ESA student use funds at Donelson Christian Academy?
Yes. Donelson Christian Academy is on TDOE's Middle Tennessee ESA participating-school list (updated September 24, 2026). A student zoned to Metro Nashville Public Schools whose prior-year household income is no more than twice the free-lunch guideline can use a $10,132.54 ESA here instead of EFS.
The 2027-28 ESA application opens February 2, 2027 and closes April 15, 2027.
What do the state records say about Donelson Christian Academy?
Donelson Christian Academy serves grades PK-12 in Nashville, Davidson County, with a Christian (non-denominational) affiliation. TDOE's 2026-27 directory reports 820 students; the NCES 2023-24 survey counted 765; that survey works out to about 12 students per teacher; 85% of graduates went on to four-year colleges in the same survey.
| Program | Status for this school | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee approval | Category III (Cognia) | A category decides which programs can pay, not school quality |
| Education Freedom Scholarship | On the 2026-27 registered list | $7,530 per student when listed |
| ESA (MNPS zone only) | On the 9/24/26 Middle Tennessee list | $10,132.54 for qualifying MNPS-zone students |
| IEA (students with an IEP) | Category allows IEA use | School must also agree to participate |
What should parents ask Donelson Christian Academy about cost and aid?
Start with the questions the state records cannot answer:
- Is the school registered for EFS for 2027-28, and is it on the ESA list if we live in the MNPS zone?
- What is tuition for my child's grade, and which fees fall outside it?
- What need-based aid, sibling discount or church-member rate applies after the state award?
- Does the school's aid application require us to apply for EFS or ESA first?
- Which dual-enrollment college courses do students take, and does the school help with the TSAC Dual Enrollment Grant?
- Does the pre-K room take Smart Steps child care payments or host a district Voluntary Pre-K class?
Which private schools are near Donelson Christian Academy?
6 schools in this directory are in Donelson, Hermitage & Old Hickory; 5 are EFS-registered for 2026-27. See every school in Donelson, Hermitage & Old Hickory →
Family Christian Academy
Old Hickory · Grades K-11
State record & funding →Christian SchoolsThe Academy for G.O.D.
Old Hickory · Grades PK-12
State record & funding →Catholic SchoolsHoly Rosary Academy
Nashville · Grades PK-8
State record & funding →Independent & Secular SchoolsMusic City Montessori
Nashville · Grades PK-4
State record & funding →Independent & Secular SchoolsSouthern Angels Comprehensive Academy
Hermitage · Grades K-8
State record & funding →