Last verified: October 2026
Which private schools in the Nashville area specialize in learning differences?
The Edison School in Madison, Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood and Benton Hall Academy in Nashville are the schools the federal survey classifies as special education schools in the five counties. The directory's learning-differences hub lists 10 schools in all, including alternative and special-purpose programs.
All three are on the 2026-27 EFS registered list and the Middle Tennessee ESA list.
Should a Nashville family with an IEP choose the IEA or the Education Freedom Scholarship?
For most students with a qualifying IEP, the IEA is worth more, because it adds the average special-education allocation to the base amount that EFS pays. It also reaches more schools and homeschooling.
EFS may still fit when the IEP lapsed before the IEA window closed, or when the family missed the IEA window. IEA-eligible students land in EFS priority Tier 2.
What does a student need to qualify for the IEA?
A student needs an active, implemented Tennessee IEP listing one of 11 eligible disability categories when the application window closes, plus an enrollment condition such as a full prior year in a Tennessee public school. There is no income test.
From 2027-28, children in the TEIS Extended Option with an eligible Part B disability may apply as well.
Does a private school have to follow my child's IEP in Tennessee?
A private school is not bound by a public school IEP in the same way, and an IEA student is no longer enrolled in public school. Ask each school how it will serve your child and what it charges for added support.
TDOE publishes a separate FAQ on serving students with disabilities in the ESA program, which is worth reading if you are in the MNPS zone.
| IEA | EFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs an IEP | Yes, active, in an eligible category | No |
| Funding level | Base + average special-ed funding | $7,530 flat (2026-27) |
| Homeschool allowed | Yes | No |
| Category IV/V schools | Allowed | Not allowed |
| 2027-28 timing | Projected to open Feb 16, 2027 | Dates not yet posted |
What should a Nashville family do next?
Take the two-minute funding check. A tuition counselor will confirm which program fits, what it is worth for your child and which date is next.