We are pleased to announce our participation as an approved provider in the newly established Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2, providing $1 billion in funding to create the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, TEFA is designed to give parents greater flexibility in choosing the best educational environment for their children.
Funding Amounts for Private School Students
For the 2026-27 school year, the award amounts are determined as follows:
- General Private School Students: A participating child who attends an approved private school will receive 85% of the estimated statewide average of state and local funding. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has set this amount at $10,474 for the 2026-27 school year.
- Students with a Disability: A participating child with a disability enrolled in an approved private school may be eligible to receive up to $30,000. To qualify, the child must have an individualized education program (IEP) on file with the TEA by the end of the application period.
Application Timeline
- Application Window: Opens February 4, 2026, and closes March 17, 2026. Click here for an informative family checklist that provides information about what documents are needed in order to apply and other information helpful in the application process.
- Funding Notification: Parents will be notified of their status beginning in early April 2026.
- Fund Availability: At least 25% of approved funding will be available by July 1, 2026, with subsequent disbursements in October 2026 and April 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
Children are eligible if they are U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States and are eligible to attend a Texas school district, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K program. The parent must be a resident of the state of Texas.
What expenses are covered by TEFA funds?
Beyond private school tuition and fees, approved expenses include:
- Textbooks and instructional materials.
- Required school uniforms.
- Private tutoring and educational therapies.
- Academic assessment costs.
- Transportation to and from approved providers.
- Computer hardware or software (up to 10% of the annual total).
- Meals provided by the private school.
Will every eligible child who applies be approved?
Not necessarily. If applications exceed available program funding, a lottery will decide placement based on priority groups established by state law. For the first year, priority is given based on household income levels and disability status.
Do families need to reapply every year?
No. Participants in good standing stay in the program automatically. Families will only need to confirm their desire to continue each year.
How is the program monitored?
The Texas Comptroller will oversee the program to ensure funds are used properly. Odyssey has been selected as the certified educational assistance organization to help with administration. Additionally, accounts will be audited annually by a private entity and periodically by the State Auditor.
How do I apply?
Parents can submit applications through the official TEFA website beginning February 4, 2026. You can find more information and sign up for updates at https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/.
For further questions regarding STE's participation in TEFA, email our Business Office at businessoffice@stes.org.