Does Paideia Academy accept the Education Freedom Scholarship?
Yes. Paideia Academy appears on the Tennessee Department of Education's 2026-27 Registered EFS Schools list, so a student with an Education Freedom Scholarship can put the $7,530 award toward tuition and fees here, and use any remainder on approved expenses.
The school draws the money from the family's EFS account in four projected installments (August, October, January and March), and the family approves tuition payments in the EFS portal.
Can a student with an IEP use the Tennessee IEA at Paideia Academy?
Possibly. Paideia Academy's Category II approval is one the Individualized Education Account accepts, so a student whose Tennessee IEP lists an eligible disability can use IEA funds here if the school agrees to participate. Schools can apply to the IEA program at any time of year.
The IEA usually pays more than EFS because it adds average special-education funding, and the 2027-28 window is projected to open February 16, 2027. Ask the school how it serves students with IEPs and what added support costs.
What do state and federal records show about Paideia Academy?
Paideia Academy serves grades PK-12 in Knoxville, Knox County, and is Christian (classical), judging by its name or authorizer. TDOE's 2026-27 directory lists 251 students.
| Program | This school | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee approval | Category II (ACCS) | Tells you which state money can follow a child here, nothing about how good the school is |
| Education Freedom Scholarship | On the 2026-27 list | Worth $7,530 a student at listed schools |
| Individualized Education Account | Its category qualifies | Only if the school opts in to IEA |
| Tennessee ESA | Not available | Knox, Blount, Anderson and Sevier students are not in an ESA district |
What should Knoxville-area parents ask Paideia Academy about cost and aid?
These are the questions the public records can't answer:
- Is the school registered for EFS again for 2027-28?
- What does my child's grade cost, and which fees sit outside tuition?
- What need-based aid, church-member rate or multi-child pricing applies after the state award?
- Does the aid application require an EFS application first?
- Which dual-enrollment courses do students take at Pellissippi State, Roane State or Walters State, and does the school help with the Dual Enrollment Grant?
- Does the pre-K room accept Smart Steps child care payments?
- Will the school accept an IEA, and how does it support a student with an IEP?
Which other private schools are near Paideia Academy?
This directory lists 11 schools in Farragut, Concord & Hardin Valley, and 6 of those campuses are EFS-registered for 2026-27. See every school in Farragut, Concord & Hardin Valley →
Concord Christian School
Knoxville · Grades K-12
State record & funding →Christian SchoolsGrace Christian Academy
Knoxville · Grades PK-12
State record & funding →Christian SchoolsKnoxville Christian School
Knoxville · Grades PK-12
State record & funding →Christian SchoolsThe Episcopal School of Knoxville
Knoxville · Grades PK-8
State record & funding →Catholic SchoolsSt. John Neumann Catholic School
Knoxville · Grades PK-8
State record & funding →