A Live, Accredited Online Private Christian School – Covered by Your Tennessee EFS Scholarship
Students in grades 3-12 learn through a consistent weekly rhythm with live teacher guidance, collaborative projects, and fully-accredited coursework that's grounded in Scripture. Most Tennessee families cover nearly all of the $9,000/year through their Education Freedom Scholarship.
A Fully-Funded Private School Year for Most Tennessee Families
TN EFS Award (2026-27)
$7,530/yr*
*Some families qualify for additional funding bringing coverage to 100%.
+
Enlightium Prep Online
$9,000/yr all-inclusive
One price. Everything included. No add-ons, no surprise fees. Fully Accredited & Recognized by ACSI, Cognia, Collegeboard, NCAA
=
Typical Out-of-Pocket
$1,470/yr*
Tuition assistance and monthly payment plans available for any remaining balance.
How TN EFS Works at Enlightium
Funds go School-to-School
The State of Tennessee disburses your $7,530 scholarship directly to Enlightium each quarter. No ESA debit card. No reimbursement paperwork. No fronting tuition while you wait.
No Upfront Tuition
Tennessee's payments timeline means most families never write a single tuition check — the scholarship covers it as the year unfolds.
Renewing Families
Can Enroll Immediately
Renewal families: re-enroll with Enlightium now to start using your Education Freedom Scholarship for 2026-2027.
New Families Can Get
On Our Priority List
New families: book a call to be on our 2027-28 priority list. Window opens January 2027 for new enrollments.
WHO THRIVES HERE
Every Tennessee Student Has a Story. Here's Who We Serve.
Enlightium Prep isn't one-size-fits-all. Our students come from different backgrounds, but they share one thing in common – a school that could meet them where they are.
You've Been Searching for a School That Actually Fits
Most families come to us after realizing the options they've tried were close, but never quite right.
Homeschooling alone — full freedom, but the weight of teaching falls on you
Expert teachers handle instruction while you stay involved
Traditional school — great structure, but built for the average student, not yours
A school that adapts to your student, not the other way around
Online programs that feel like overpriced, glorified worksheets
Live interaction, real relationships, and genuine accountability that actually matters
Schools where faith is an afterthought or absent entirely
Curriculum, instruction, and community that is built on your Christian faith and values
If you're looking for more structure, more support, and a clearer path forward — you're in the right place.
A day in the life
This Is What Learning Feels Like
No rigid bells. No crowded hallways. Just a rhythm that fits your family, with real teachers who know your child by name.
8:15 AM • Live instruction
Morning Class
The house is quiet except for the soft click of a keyboard. Your daughter logs into her live class at 8:15, still in her favorite hoodie, morning-mug steam curling beside the laptop. Her teacher greets her by name. The lesson picks up right where they left off. No commute. No rush. Just learning, on her terms.
Live instructional classes are optional but highly encouraged.
"Every morning was a struggle to get her out of bed and on the bus. Now she has wonderful support from her teachers, she's learning a lot, and it's challenging in a good way. We're about to begin our 3rd quarter in 7th grade with all A's and a few B's. Enlightium has been an answer to my prayers."
Ronda C.
Trustpilot
9:45 AM • Guided practice
Workshop Hour
By mid-morning, the energy shifts. A small-group workshop lights up the screen: four students debating a history question while the teacher guides the conversation. Your son is taking notes, sketching a timeline in his notebook. He raises his hand. He's engaged in a way the old classroom never managed.
Small-group workshops apply learning and build critical thinking.
"The teachers truly care about each student and my child has formed great friendships with her classmates. Enlightium is incredible."
Happy Parent
Trustpilot
11:45 AM • Built-in support
Study Hall & Independent Work
At 11:45, she drops into Study Hall. It's not a lecture. It's a space. A teacher is there, ready if she gets stuck on an algebra problem or wants feedback on her essay draft. She unmutes, asks her question, and gets a clear answer in real time. One-on-one support, when she needs it.
Daily drop-in Study Hall with live 1:1 teacher support via video or phone.
"My daughter completed her junior and senior year of high school with Enlightium. She was able to take AP classes. Teachers were available if she was struggling and the support from counselors was excellent. And she got into her dream college. I only wish we started Enlightium her freshman year of high school."
Happy Parent
Trustpilot
12:30 PM • School day ends
The Afternoon Is Hers
By 12:30, the schoolwork is done. She grabs her soccer ball and heads outside while the sun is still high. No bus ride home. No hours of homework stacked on top of a full day. This is what self-paced means: the freedom to enjoy sports, music, family time, youth group, or whatever matters to you and your child.
"My son is able to balance his schoolwork with his demanding schedule of traveling and training. He has achieved great results at international tournaments, traveled all over the country and world, and prepared for his career as a professional athlete while also having a very good and flexible high school education."
Ludmil L.
Trustpilot
Friday • THE WEEK ENDS WITH PURPOSE
Enrichment Day
Fridays feel different. While core subject learning runs Monday through Thursday, Fridays belong to the STREAM Hubs. Builder Hub students might be prototyping an app or or creating short film. Inquiry Hub students might be preparing a debate or stress-testing an argument with their cohort. No tests. No quizzes. Just the sustained, hands-on work that turns what they've learned into something real.
- Bible study
- STREAM Hub Projects: Builder or Inquiry
- Additional teacher support
Enrichment days are optional but highly encouraged.
S
T
R
E
A
M
Not Just STEM. STREAM — Because Faith Belongs at the Center of Every Subject.
Your child doesn't just learn what to think. They learn how to think, create, and lead through the lens of God's Word. Six disciplines. One Christ-centered worldview. A curriculum built for the world they're actually growing up in.
S — Science
Students explore creation through observation, experimentation, and the ethics of scientific discovery. They don't just learn the process. They learn to ask what our responsibility is to what we find.
T — Technology
Students build real things like functional apps, working prototypes, AI-powered projects. They learn to code, prompt AI agents, build agentic workflows, and develop digital fluency — practical skills for the world they're graduating into, grounded in biblical stewardship.
The core of our stream model
R — Reading / Religion
Every discipline runs through this one. A biblical worldview that shapes how students read literature, weigh evidence, engage history, and make decisions. In a world moving faster than ever, this is the foundation that holds steady.
"Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long."
— Psalm 25:4-5
E — Engineering
Problem-solving with purpose. Design challenges rooted in serving others, where students learn that the best solutions start with understanding the people they're meant to help.
A — Arts
Creative expression that reflects our Creator and Redeemer. Students develop their voice across visual, written, and digital media. Learning what it means to make something meaningful in an age of endless content.
M — Math
Conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Students build the reasoning and problem-framing skills that prepare them for advanced study and real-world decision-making.
They Don't Just Attend. They Belong.
They're raising their hand in live classes, working through problems with classmates, and building relationships with teachers who know their name.
"I finally feel like school is something I'm part of — not just something I do."
"After her placement test, Lily was placed in Honors English and Math. She has a great relationship with her teacher Mrs. Kosov, both educationally and personally. This is what Lily needed to succeed. Everyone at Enlightium has been a big help, and any time we've reached out with questions, they've been answered quickly."
Jinni K.
Trustpilot
"This is our son's 5th year at Enlightium. Last year was his most challenging, but the teachers went above and beyond. Mrs. Mitler, his math teacher, made personal videos to help him through algebra. Other teachers stayed in touch over the summer, exchanging prayer requests and encouragement. EA has been a huge blessing to our family."
Gene S.
Trustpilot
"We switched from public school mid-year and the transition was seamless. The staff walked us through every step, and within weeks our daughter was thriving. She loves her Bible class and has made friends she talks to every day. We wish we had found Enlightium sooner."
Rachel M.
Trustpilot
"As a military family, we've moved four times in six years. Enlightium has been the one constant in our son's education. He keeps the same teachers, the same classmates, and the same routine no matter where we're stationed. That stability has made all the difference."
David & Sarah T.
Trustpilot
Ready for College. Prepared for Life. Rooted in Faith.
Every number below represents a real student who left Enlightium more confident, more capable, and more sure of who they are.
30,000+
Students Served Worldwide
Over two decades of proven results in Christian education
87%
Graduation Rate
Twice the national average for online school
300+
Colleges & Universities
Accepted Enlightium students
around the world
Notable college acceptances include:
Harvard University
University of Berkeley
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New York University
University of Notre Dame
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Texas A&M University
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John Hopkins University
An Investment in Your Child's Future
Less than half the cost of most online private schools. For most Tennessee families, the Education Freedom Scholarship covers nearly all of it.
Enlightium Prep Online
Grades 3–12 — U.S. and International
One price. Everything included. No add-ons, no surprise fees.
Fully Accredited & Recognized by ACSI, Cognia, Collegeboard, NCAA
APPROVED FOR TENNESSEE EFS
$7,500
/year
$9,000
/year
*Limited-time enrollment tuition. $7,500 applies to all 2026–27 enrollments completed by June 30, 2026.
TN EFS award covers $7,530.
Comparable online private schools average $18,000+/year
Everything included:
Self-paced coursework (the academic foundation)- Live instructional sessions (Mon/Tue) + application workshops (Wed/Thu)
- Friday enrichment: Bible study, STREAM Hubs
- Daily Study Hall — live, drop-in teacher help
- Group projects with classmates
- Live 1:1 video and phone teacher support + 1:1 tutoring included
- Personal academic counselor with regular check-ins
- Accredited diploma, transcripts & college prep/scholarship guidance
- Full community access: events and faith activities
- Tech platform & all learning resources
- College & career guidance with personalized admissions support
30-day money-back guarantee.
Try risk-free — full tuition refund if it's not the right fit.
"I believe it is well worth the money. The classes are God-centered and she is learning at her own pace. She is actually learning more than in public school, getting better grades, and thoroughly enjoying her schoolwork. The teachers are wonderful, quick to respond, and very encouraging."
Fargys J.
Trustpilot
"It is worth the price. My daughter has grown so much spiritually and academically. The weight of having to do it all has been lifted. All her teachers are great and always provide support and feedback when needed. I love that she can interact with teachers and peers through Zoom calls and special events."
Brittany R.
Trustpilot
"Worth every penny. We currently have three children enrolled, and have been so impressed with every teacher and counselor. Anytime we had questions or needed assistance, we received very courteous and prompt responses. One thing my children really love is the class meetings and chapels."
Happy parent of three students
Trustpilot
"To me, the tuition is worth every penny. Everything is online and my son loves it. He looks forward to the group sessions and meetings with his teachers. I feel so relieved that he has support and can meet with a teacher weekly. We plan on enrolling our little one too."
Blessie
Trustpilot
Making It Work for Your Family
Flexible Monthly Payment Plans
Spread your tuition into manageable monthly payments with no interest. Enlightium Prep is dedicated to making a high-quality, faith-based education accessible without financial strain.
- Interest-free installments
- No application fees
- Automatic monthly billing for convenience
- Full enrollment benefits from day one
"I was also impressed about the payment options. Pay an affordable monthly payment. EXCELLENT!"
EFC
Trustpilot
Tuition Assistance
We believe finances should never be a barrier to the right education. Enlightium offers a range of tuition assistance for families who qualify, because every child deserves access to a school that knows them by name.
- Active Missionary/Ministry: 10% off tuition.
- Active Military/Veteran: 10% off tuition.
- Family Discount — 2 students: 10% off tuition.
- Family Discount — 3+ students: 20% off tuition.
- Partner Discount: 10% off tuition for families affiliated with an official Enlightium partner organization.
"We love that we get a family discount and the freedom to work at any time of day or night which makes it so easy with the children's schedule."
Paige B.
Trustpilot
Scholarship Opportunities
Enlightium recognizes student excellence through multiple scholarship programs. Whether your child excels academically, athletically, or in a specialized area, there may be a scholarship opportunity waiting for them. Scholarships are based on eligibility and are renewable each year.
- Academic/Achievement scholarships (cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher)
- Athletic scholarships (actively participating on a team or in structured private training)
- Special Focus scholarships (exceptional achievement in STEM, fine arts, or entrepreneurship through competition, recognition, or notable accomplishment)
Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship — Approved
Enlightium Prep Online is a registered Category III Tennessee non-public school, approved to receive Education Freedom Scholarship funds. What that means for your family:
- Your scholarship funds go directly to Enlightium each quarter — no reimbursement loop
- $7,530 per student per year (2026-27 amount, set by the state)
- Tuition assistance, scholarships, and monthly payment plans available for families to cover any remaining financial need.
Other State Funding
Don't see your state? New opportunities are available every year. Our admissions team can help you find out what's available where you live. This is for informational purposes only. Funding is not guaranteed, and Enlightium is unable to provide tax advice. Please conduct further research and/or consult with a tax professional to ensure any deductions or credits taken are done in accordance with your state laws.
Additional Funding
529 Education Savings Plans
If your family has a 529 savings account, those funds can be used to pay for K–12 private school tuition, including Enlightium Prep Online. Withdrawals for qualifying education expenses are tax-free at the federal level and often at the state level too.
Folds of Honor Scholarships
Enlightium proudly supports military and first responder families. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to dependents of fallen or disabled service members and first responders. foldsofhonor.org →
Enlightium Prep exists to make excellent Christian education accessible to everyone. The Enlight Learning Foundation extends that mission through scholarships, grants, and resources for Christian students and schools beyond our walls. Learn more →
What to Look for When Comparing Online Private Schools
Not all online schools include the same things — even the ones that look similar on paper. Here's what Enlightium Prep Online includes for every student, and what to ask other schools before you enroll.
Live instruction
Included for every student, grades 3–12. Live sessions with credentialed teachers every Monday and Tuesday. Small-group workshops Wednesday and Thursday.
Ask other schools
Is live instruction included — or is it a premium tier? What grades does it start? How often do students interact with a teacher in real time?
Structured school day
8:15 AM – 12:30 PM PT. Consistent daily rhythm. Afternoons free.
Ask other schools
Is there a set school schedule — or is it 'log in whenever'? Will my child have a predictable routine, or are they managing their own time entirely?
Daily study hall
Drop-in access to a live teacher every school day, Monday through Friday. No appointment needed.
Ask other schools
When my child is stuck, how do they get help? Is it a live person — or a chatbot, a ticket system, or a 24-hour email wait?
Student-to-teacher ratio
20:1. Teachers know every student by name.
Ask other schools
What's the student-to-teacher ratio? Is it published? Will my child's teacher actually know who they are?
Personal academic counselor
Every student is assigned a dedicated academic counselor who monitors progress, flags concerns early, and checks in with parents regularly.
Ask other schools
Does my child get an assigned counselor — or is a guidance counselor shared across hundreds of students? How often will I hear from them?
Faith integration
Biblical worldview is the core of every subject through our STREAM framework. A Director of Faith and Values oversees spiritual formation school-wide.
Ask other schools
Is faith a standalone class — or is it part of how every subject is taught? Is there anyone on staff whose role is specifically spiritual formation?
Friday enrichment
Dedicated Enrichment Day every Friday: Bible study, STREAM Hubs (Inquiry and Builder), and teacher office hours.
Ask other schools
Is there a dedicated enrichment day — or just electives students take on their own? Are enrichment activities live and collaborative, or self-paced?
Group projects & peer community
Built into the weekly schedule. Live classes, collaborative projects, daily study hall, and school-wide events. Your child learns alongside real classmates.
Ask other schools
Will my child actually work with other students — or are they learning alone? Is community built into the schedule, or is it an optional add-on?
Pricing
One price. Everything included. No tiers, no upgrades, no surprise fees.
Ask other schools
Is the quoted tuition the real price — or are live instruction, tutoring, advising, and enrichment billed separately? What does the base price actually include?
REGISTERED TN NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL
We're an approved Category III school under TN EFS. Funds disburse directly to us each quarter from the State.
ASK OTHER SCHOOLS
Are they actually registered with TDOE? What category? Are they receiving EFS funds this year — or just "planning to"?
Here's How Enlightium Prep Online Compares
Live Online Private School
$18,000+/year
- Live instruction with real teachers
- Accredited coursework
- Live classes often gated behind a premium tier
- Tutoring and college advising typically cost extra
- No structured daily schedule (most are self-paced)
- Faith integration uncommon
- Peer community limited or optional
Enlightium Prep Online
Tennessee EFS approved
$9,000/year
- Accredited coursework & diploma
- Live instructional sessions included for every student
- Daily study hall with real teachers, no appointment needed
- Personal academic counselor with regular parent check-ins
- Group projects, STREAM Hubs, and a real peer community
- Biblical worldview is the core of every subject through STREAM
- Structured school day (8:15 AM – 12:30 PM PT), afternoons free
- One price. No tiers, no add-ons, no surprise fees.
Traditional Private School
$28,000+/year
- In-person instruction with strong community
- Structured academics and extracurriculars
- Rigid daily schedule (typically 8 AM – 3 PM+)
- 20–45 minute commute each way
- Uniforms, tech fees, and activity costs often extra
- Faith integration varies widely, never guaranteed
- No flexibility for travel, sports, or family needs
Every family's situation is different. If you're weighing Enlightium Prep Online against homeschooling, Enlightium Academy, Enlightium Prep Campus, or another option entirely, we've put together a detailed comparison to help you think it through.
Flexible Start Dates
You don't have to wait until September. Enlightium Prep Online offers rolling enrollment throughout the year — so your child can start when your family is ready, not when the calendar says so.
Year-round enrollment
Apply and start any time. No need to wait for a new semester.
Mid-year transfers
Transferring from another school? We make it seamless. Credits transfer, transcripts align, and your child picks up where they left off.
Summer programs
Summer course options, credit recovery, or enrichment opportunities available.
Getting Started Is Simpler Than You Think
We've kept enrollment simple on purpose.
No maze of forms, no weeks of waiting, no stress.
Step 1
Schedule a free family consultation
Have your EFS award notification ready (or we'll walk you through the application timeline if the window's closed and you're targeting 2027-28). On the call, we'll confirm exact coverage based on this year's $7,530 award, answer your questions, and start your enrollment paperwork if you're ready.
What to expect: a 20-minute call where we listen more than we talk. Come with every question you have.
"They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience."
Mandy
Trustpilot
Step 2
Complete your enrollment
For Tennessee EFS families: we coordinate with TDOE's school enrollment verification, confirm your scholarship is tied to Enlightium, and handle the rest. No essays, no entrance exams.
Excellent in communication from the beginning, and throughout the enrollment process. The team was especially helpful, taking extra time to call me, explain next steps, and what to expect."
Heidi B.
Trustpilot
Step 3
Welcome to Enlightium Prep
Once enrolled, your family receives a personalized onboarding guide. Your child is paired with their academic counselor, gains access to the student portal, and is ready for day one. We walk with you through every step — because the enrollment experience should feel as supportive as the education itself.
The staff is great at communicating and our daughter loves the teachers. It is comforting to be in an environment where all members of the school staff are Christian and that reflects in the daily/weekly communication. We are so grateful we found Enlightium."
Julie K.
Trustpilot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enlightium Prep Online actually approved for Tennessee EFS?
Yes. We're a registered Category III non-public school with the Tennessee Department of Education and approved to receive Education Freedom Scholarship funds.
How much does the Tennessee EFS scholarship cover?
$7,530 per student for the 2026-27 school year (up from $7,295 in 2025-26). This is set by the State of Tennessee, not by the school.
What's my actual out-of-pocket cost?
$1,470 per year. Interest-free monthly payment plans, tuition assistance, and other scholarships are available for families to cover the remaining balance.
How does Tennessee pay the scholarship to Enlightium?
The State of Tennessee disburses funds directly to Enlightium each quarter (approximately July, October, January, and March). You never need to front the tuition or file a reimbursement.
2026-27 applications closed in February. What if I'm a new applicant?
You can still enroll for 2026-27 by paying tuition directly (with monthly payment plans available), or you can plan ahead for 2027-28 — the application window typically opens in December for renewals and January for new applicants. Book a call and we'll get you on our priority list.
My household income is over $173,000. Am I still eligible?
Yes. Tennessee EFS is universal — half the scholarships are reserved for income-qualified families, but the remaining half are open to any eligible Tennessee student regardless of income. Early application matters because of the number of scholarships awarded statewide each year.
Is Enlightium Prep accredited?
Yes. Enlightium Prep holds accreditation through Cognia (since 2012) and ACSI (since 2018). We are also NCAA approved (since 2015) and a College Board AP school (since 2008). Transcripts and diplomas are fully recognized.
What makes Enlightium Prep different from other online Christian schools?
Enlightium Prep is a structured, faith-based, fully accredited Christian private school with real teachers, a daily schedule, and a clear weekly rhythm — not just a curriculum your family manages alone. Students follow self-paced coursework enhanced by live instructional sessions, daily study hall, and STREAM enrichment so they get both accountability and flexibility.
Is Enlightium Prep rigorous enough to prepare my child for college?
Yes. Enlightium Prep offers accredited coursework, documented outcomes, and a college-preparatory high school program with transcripts recognized by universities nationwide. The model combines self-paced coursework, live instruction, advisor oversight, and progress tracking to ensure students are challenged, supported, and ready for life after graduation.
Will my child be isolated learning online at home?
No. Students participate in live classes, daily study hall, group projects, events, and faith activities that create a real sense of belonging. Your child is known by name by teachers and peers, with built-in structures for community so online school feels relational, not lonely.
How does the schedule work? Do we lose flexibility?
Students follow a consistent 8:15 AM–12:30 PM Pacific Time school day built around a weekly rhythm: instructional days (Mon–Tue), workshop days (Wed–Thu), and enrichment on Fridays. Afternoons remain free for sports, family, work, and life, so families keep flexibility while students gain the structure and support of a christian private school education.
What does it cost, and what's included in tuition?
Tuition for Enlightium Prep Online is $9,000 per year (monthly payment plan, tuition assistance, scholarships, and alternative funding available), which is less than half the cost of many online private schools. That includes self-paced coursework, live instructional sessions, workshops, Friday enrichment, daily study hall, 1:1 teacher support and tutoring, an academic counselor, full community access, and an accredited diploma with transcripts and college-prep guidance.
How is Enlightium Prep Online different from Enlightium Prep Campus?
Enlightium Prep Online delivers a structured private school experience from home, with a consistent morning schedule, self-paced coursework, live instructional sessions, and online community built through classes, bible study, study hall, and STREAM hubs. Enlightium Prep Campus offers the same accredited, faith-centered education in a physical school setting, with in-person instruction, small class sizes, on-campus chapel and activities, and a local campus community for families who prefer face-to-face learning.
Your Tennessee Scholarship. Our Accredited School.
One Call Away.
Talk to an enrollment advisor who knows the EFS process. We'll confirm your award coverage, answer every question, and — if you're ready — start your enrollment on the call.
No pressure. No commitment. Just a helpful conversation.
Free. Takes about 20 minutes. And you'll know if Enlightium Prep is right for your family.
