TEFA Applications Now Open!

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.

Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17.

What is TEFA?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) are designed to give eligible families more flexibility in how they support their child’s education. Eligible students may qualify for $10,474 per year to help cover approved educational expenses, including tuition, materials, and services.

TEFA is intended to expand options — whether your child learns in a private school, uses supplemental tutoring, or needs specialized services to thrive.

How TEFA works

Confirm eligibility: Review who qualifies and what documentation you may need.
Apply: Submit an application during an open enrollment period (February 4, 2026 – March 17, 2026). First awards will be available to participating children for the 2026-27 school year.
Receive account funding: Approved families receive funds in an education account.
Use funds for approved expenses: Purchases must align with program rules and approved categories.
Keep records and stay compliant: Families must not withdraw cash or request reimbursement, ensure annual testing (Grades 3-12), report public school enrollment, follow all TEFA rules.

What TEFA Funds Can Cover

TEFA funds may be used for a range of approved education expenses. Examples can include:

Private School Tuition
Textbooks, Uniforms, Supplies
Tutoring, Therapies, Testing
Online programs and courses
Transportation
Educational Technology (Up to 10%)

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

Private School Students/ Pre-K or Kindergarten Program: $10,474 per year
Students with Disabilities: Up to $30,000 per year
Homeschooled Students: Up to $2,000 per year

Students must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. and eligible to attend a Texas public school. If a student is approved, so is the student’s sibling(s) who applied.

Pre-K Eligibility

A participating child between the ages of 3-5 is eligible for enrollment in a pre-k or kindergarten program under this section if the child is at least three years of age and:

1. is unable to speak and comprehend the English language;

2. is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price launch program;

3. is homeless, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the child;

4. is the child of an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority;

5. is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty;

6. is, or ever has been, in:

- the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or

- foster care in another state or territory, if the child resides in this state;

7. is the child of a person who has received the Star of Texas Award as;

- a peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code;

- a firefighter under Section 3106.003 Government Code; or

- an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code; or

8. is the child of a person employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a pre-k or kindergarten class under this section.

Timeline

Applications open February 4: Families may begin submitting student applications for the TEFA program.
Applications close March 17: All student applications must be completed and submitted by this date.
Award Notification Week of April 6: Families will be notified regarding TEFA award decisions.
Funds Available 2026-2027 School Year: Approved TEFA funds may be used for eligible educational expenses during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Official Website

Visit the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program website for resources, information and more.

Key Dates

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program will be accepting applications from February 4, 2026 – March 17, 2026. Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17, 2026.

Find A Participating TEFA School Near You

Cathedral High School: (915) 532-3238 | cathedral-elpaso.org

Father Yermo Schools: (915) 532-6875 | fatheryermoelpaso.org

Loretto Academy: (915) 566-8400 | loretto.org

Most Holy Trinity Catholic School: (915) 751-2566 | mhtcrusaders.org

St. Joseph's School: (915) 566-1661 | stjoseph-school.org

St. Matthew Catholic School: (915) 581-8801 | stmatthewelpaso.org

St. Patrick's Cathedral School: (915) 532-4142 | saintpatrickelpaso.org

St. Pius X Catholic School: (915) 262-4846 | elpasostpiusx.org

St. Raphael Catholic School: (915) 598-2241 | straphaelelpaso.org

For families interested in learning more about the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program, we’ve provided easy-to-follow resources to help you through the process. Visit the TEFA Parent Application Walkthrough for step-by-step guidance on completing your application. For support, visit the Odyssey Support page.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Resources