Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Award amounts: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, December 22, 2025. School list: Texas Comptroller, Public Information Act request 20260924QTW, as of Oct 5, 2026. Funding depends on eligibility, approval and available funds.
Who runs it and how to apply
TEFA is run by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Families apply through the official site, educationfreedom.texas.gov. The 2026–27 application window has closed; check the official site for the next one.
What schools must do to take part
Participating private schools must be approved by the program. Under the program rules they must be accredited, have operated for at least two years, and give students a nationally norm-referenced test.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the TEFA award for private school?
$10,474 per student for the 2026–27 school year at an approved private school. Students with an IEP on file can receive up to $30,000. Homeschool students can receive up to $2,000.
Does every applicant get TEFA funding?
No. Applications exceeded the funded spots for 2026–27, so many eligible families were placed on a waitlist. Funding depends on eligibility, approval and available funds.
Which schools accept TEFA?
Schools must be approved by the program. This site lists 555 Christian and Catholic schools confirmed on the official participating list released October 5, 2026.
How is cost after funding calculated?
Average annual tuition the school reported to the program, minus the standard award, never below zero. Fees such as registration, books and transportation may apply on top.
Schools that accept TEFA, by city
Cities with fewer than 3 participating schools are on the Texas city list.