Does The Academy for G.O.D. accept the Education Freedom Scholarship?
Yes. The Academy for G.O.D. 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 The Academy for G.O.D.?
Yes. The Academy for G.O.D. 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 The Academy for G.O.D.?
The Academy for G.O.D. serves grades PK-12 in Old Hickory, Davidson County, with a Christian (non-denominational) affiliation. TDOE's 2026-27 directory reports 237 students; that survey works out to about 6 students per teacher; 80% of graduates went on to four-year colleges in the same survey. Memberships listed in the federal survey: Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
| Program | Status for this school | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee approval | Category III, IV (ACSI, 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 The Academy for G.O.D. 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 The Academy for G.O.D.?
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 →
Donelson Christian Academy
Nashville · Grades PK-12
State record & funding →Christian SchoolsFamily Christian Academy
Old Hickory · Grades K-11
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 →