Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, passed in 2025, gives families greater flexibility in customizing their child’s education. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, eligible students in Texas can receive state funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, curriculum, and more. $1 billion has been initially allocated for 2026-2027 program. The Odyssey platform is used to administer the Texas TEFA program.
Why this matters to families in Texas:
The Texas TEFA program expands access to private school and other educational alternative options so parents can select the learning environment that best matches their child’s needs. It gives families more control over their child’s education path.
Award amounts for 2026-2027
ESA
Funding Amounts:
- General students: approx. $10,300–$10,900 (85% of public per-student funding) per year
- Students with disabilities: up to $30,000 per year
- Homeschoolers: up to $2,000 per year
Who is eligible for this program?
The Texas TEFA program is available statewide but given the $1 billion cap over for the first year of the program, there will be approximately 80,000 to 100,000 slots for student participation. The priority will be:
- Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
- Low- to moderate-income families (≤200% the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then up to 500% FPL, with cap on higher-income participants)
In addition, students must:
- Be U.S. citizens or lawful admitted immigrants resident in Texas
- Be enrolled or eligible to enroll in preK-12 Texas public school. This includes private school or homeschooled students
PreK eligibility has several other requirements. A student must turn three years old before September 1 and fall into at least one of these categories:
- Speak and comprehend the English language
- Family income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Children of active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces or the children of a member of the U.S. armed forces injured or killed while on active duty
- Children of a recipient of the Star of Texas Award
- Children of a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in a district offering free Pre-K
- Homeless
- Under conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services
How can families use the funds?
The Texas TEFA awards must be used with approved vendors or accredited schools in the Odyssey platform and can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees for approved private schools
- Textbooks, curriculum, uniforms
- Educational therapies (occupational, speech, etc.)
- Tutoring services and academic support
- Educational assessments and tests
- Technology needed for educational use capped at 10% per student (e.g., laptops)
- Dual enrollment tuition
- Unbundled classes or services from public/charter schools
- Meals (breakfast/lunch) when provided during school day
- Transportation to school
TEFA awards are deposited into an Odyssey account and can be used throughout the school year for eligible educational services. All purchases are made through the Odyssey platform. Funds for private school TEFA awards are deposited on July 1 (25%), October 1 (25%), and February 1 (remaining 50%). Funds for homeschool TEFA awards are deposited on July 1 (100%).
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Texas.
- Educational Status: Students entering PreK-12 grades enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Texas public school.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at eligible Texas private schools accredited by the state.
- Assessment Requirements: Students in private school must complete an annual norm‑referenced assessment and results entered into Odyssey before the end of the school year.
How do families apply?
- Review the Program Details: Review the Texas TEFA site which has important information. You will need to sign up for an Odyssey account to apply.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the requirements.
- Choose an Eligible School or Provider: Ensure your selected private school or education service provider is approved to receive TEFA funds by checking the Odyssey platform. You will need to apply separately to your choice of private school to ensure your child is accepted.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of income and residency, child’s birth certificate, and social security numbers for parent and student applicants, and other information listed in the FAQ. See the FAQ on the Texas TEFA site for more information.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Texas TEFA site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation, and await award notification.
Where can families learn more?
For other Texas School Choice Programs: Refer to our Texas State Summary.