Empowering Texas Students Through Educational Choice
Discover transformative programs designed to enhance educational opportunities for families across Texas, ensuring every child has access to quality education. Eligible families will have the flexibility to use their TEFA funds on a wide range of approved educational services鈥攆rom private school tuition to tutoring, textbooks and more!
TEXAS Education Freedom Account (TEFA)
Eligible Education Expenses
Eligibility and Approval Process
WHAT IS THE TEFA PROGRAM?
Senate Bill 2 creates the Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program (TEFA), starting in the 2026鈥�2027 school year. The program gives eligible families $10,474 per student each year in public funds to pay for private school tuition and other education costs.
For students with disabilities, families can receive upwards of $30,000 per child. TEFA aims to make private education more affordable, especially for low-and middle-income families and students with special needs.
TEFA INFO SESSION
Watch the recording of our Informational Session about TEFA with Laura Colangelo, Executive Director of Texas Private Schools Association.
FAQ'S
IS A TEFA FUND RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY?
We encourage all families seeking to afford private, Christian education to apply and explore your options.
Will 91猫先生 participate in the program?
91猫先生 is an accredited private school and meets the state鈥檚 eligibility standards. While not required,聽our school has decided to participate in the program and monitor the state鈥檚 guidelines and practices. We will continue, provided we can participate聽without compromising our Christ-centered mission, curriculum, and autonomy. Our Admissions process continues as usual and remains unchanged.
Will 91猫先生's academics or Christian values be impacted?
No. Our commitment is unwavering: we will not accept any funding that compromises our faith, admissions standards, or educational curriculum. We will participate only as long as the law continues to uphold religious freedom and school autonomy. 91猫先生 is an active member of the聽Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA), which has worked to ensure that religious protections are included in state law.
When does the program begin?
The TEFA program will launch for the聽2026鈥�2027 school year.聽The application period聽for families聽to apply聽will be聽February 4 鈥� March 17, 2026.聽Award notifications聽to families will聽go out the聽week of April 6, 2026.
How are applicants prioritized?
Applicants are prioritized as follows:
- Students with a disability (defined by the TX Educ. Code Sec. 29.003) whose family income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
- Children whose family income is at or below 200% of FPG
- Children whose family income is between 200% and 500% of FPG.
- All other students may qualify if funds remain, with no more than 20% of spots reserved for this group, and priority given to those switching from public schools.
- To further understand these qualifications, we encourage families to visit the Texas Comptroller鈥檚 website,
What are the Income eligibility requirements?
The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) are as follows:
| Household | Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) yearly income | 200% of FPG yearly income | 500% of FPG yearly income |
| 1 | $15,650 | $31,300 | $78,250 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $42,300 | $105,750 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $53,300 | $133,250 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $64,300 | $160,750 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $75,300 | $188,250 |
| 6 | $42,150 | $83,920 | $215,750 |
Reminder: Priority Group 1 is a student with a learning difference whose income is at or below 500% of FPG.
Priority Group 2 is income under 200% of FPG.
Priority Group 3 is income between 200% and 500% of FPG.
Priority Group 4 is income over 500% FPG moving out of public school.
Priority Group 5 is anyone else over 500% FPG.
DO WE HAVE TO APPLY FOR TEFA EACH YEAR?
Once a family applies for and receives EFA funds, they do NOT have to apply every year.
If you do not receive funds in the first year, you must reapply for future years until you receive the funding.
DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID AT BROOK HILL?
You only need to apply for financial aid at 91猫先生 if you still need additional financial aid after receiving your EFA.
All families applying for Financial Aid through 91猫先生 MUST also apply for the TEFA. IF families do not, they risk not being able to receive a financial aid award from the school.
How do I know if my child's learning difference qualifies for Priority Group 1?
Exploring EFA Programs
A New Era of Educational Funding for Texas Students
Eligible Expenses for TEFA Program
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program offers a range of eligible expenses to support diverse educational needs. Families can utilize funds for private school tuition, ensuring access to quality education. Additionally, the program covers tutoring services, providing personalized academic support. Uniforms are included, promoting a cohesive learning environment. School meals, including breakfast and lunch, are also eligible, ensuring students are well-nourished. Online education programs are supported, offering flexible learning options. For students with special needs, therapies are covered to enhance their educational experience. Textbooks and instructional materials are eligible, ensuring students have the necessary resources for success.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES INCLUDE
- School tuition
- Tutoring
- Uniforms
- School lunch
- Online education programs
- Therapies for special needs
- Textbooks and instructional materials
WHAT EFA DOES NOT REQUIRE
- The state may NOT impose limits or requirements contrary to religious or institutional values of a provider, vendor, or participant regarding curriculum, admissions practices, operations, policies, standards, etc.
HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK?
Schools apply to be an approved 鈥減rovider鈥� to receive funds
Families apply to be a recipient of EFA funds
The State Comptroller will award funds to approved families giving priority to students in greater financial need and with learning disabilities
Eligibility for TEFA Program
Children are eligible to participate if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents and are eligible to attend a Texas school district or open-enrollment charter school or pre-K program, including children of active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces.
Any Texas parent may apply for their child: 鈥淧arent鈥� is defined as a Texas resident who is a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, legal guardian, custodian or other person with legal authority to act on behalf of a child.
If more applications are received than available positions, positions will be filled by lottery.
Lottery priority is given in the following order:
- Students with a learning difference at or below 500% of the poverty level
- Children from households at or below 200% of the poverty level
- Children from households 200%-500% of the poverty level
- Above 500%, prioritizing students at public or charter schools the previous year (no more than 20% of the program)
200% of the poverty level is $64,300 for a family of 4
500% of poverty level is $160,750 for a family of 4
PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Spend program money only for eligible expenses
- Authorize the school to share the child’s assessment results with the Certified Education Assistance Organization
- Not sell an item purchased with program money and
- Notify the EAO within 30 days of the child enrolling in public school, graduating from high school, or otherwise becoming ineligible to enroll in public school.
SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Administer a norm-referenced test in grades 3-12 (The CLT test that 91猫先生 administers meets this requirement). Parents of EFA children will be responsible for reporting those test scores to the state to participate in the program
- 91猫先生 will be required to hold their accreditation
Criteria for Approved Private Schools
Requirements for Private School Participation
Private schools participating in the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program must meet specific criteria to ensure quality education. Schools must be accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) or the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This ensures adherence to high educational standards. Additionally, participating schools must administer a nationally-norm-referenced assessment annually for ESA participants in grades 3-12, ensuring academic progress is monitored. Schools must have continuously operated a campus for at least two school years prior to participation, demonstrating stability and experience. A financial review or audit is required per accreditation rules, ensuring financial accountability and transparency.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
KATIE MARKASKY
CFO
