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TEFA Application Deadline ExtendedUPDATEd 03.17.26
Applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program will be extended through 11:59 p.m. CT, March 31.
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TEFA at a Glanceschool choice in texas
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Program Details$1 billion will be appropriated. This means approximately 90,000 students statewide could participate in the program in the first year:
- Four categories of prioritization for applicants (see next section)
- A typical student would receive $10,474; a special education student could receive more based on their needs
- Funds could be spent on a variety of educational expenses, including tuition at a private school, tutoring services, therapies, and more…
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Who qualifies for TEFA?
- Public and private school students are eligible
- 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 are the student’s sibling(s) who applied.
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TEFA Timeline
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Official WebsiteTexas Education Freedom Accounts
Use this link to direct you to the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts Website from the Office of the Comptroller -
Key Dates
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program will be accepting applications from February 4 through March 31, 2026.
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Helpful Resources from TEFA
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TEFA Eligibility
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Priority 2Children from families making up to $64,300* for a family of four (200% of the FPG).
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Priority 3Children from families making between $64,300 to $160,000* (200-500% of the FPG).
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Priority 4Everyone else depending on available funds. Students who switched to private schools will go ahead of currently enrolled private school students (in this category only).
Funding for Priority 4 is capped at 20% of the total appropriation in the TEFA program.
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2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
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Students with Disabilities
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Students with IEP
Children with an individualized education program (IEP) from the past three years:
Children may qualify for top priority and additional TEFA funding—up to $30,000 per school year—if they (1) have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) on file with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) within the past three years at the time priority is determined, and (2) are part of a household with total annual income at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
To receive priority and the additional funding, the child must have or have had an IEP on file with TEA for the 2023–2024 school year, 2024–2025 school year, 2026–2027 school year, or the upcoming school year.
To ensure additional funding is received, please confirm that the current public school district that you are zoned for is properly submitting your child's IEP information to TEA as soon as possible. For the best chances of receiving additional special education funding, the IEP must be on file with the Texas Education Agency before the application window closes (on March 17).
Please note that during the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:- Numerical instructional code (For more information, please review this article)
- Student’s next annual review date (This is sometimes referred to as the “next annual ARD date” or the “due date”)
- Student's Unique Texas Student Identifier number, if applicable (If the Unique Texas Student ID is unknown, please call your local school district)
- The source of truth for Texas Student Unique Identifiers (also known as a UID) is through your public school district (ISD) in which the IEP was created. Your district should have this identifier on record, even if your student has been attending a private school.
Alternatively, parents of students who have ever attended a public school can visit this website to look up their student's UID. Click on the “Student Look Up” button at the top center of the page, which will open a screen where you can submit your child’s first name, social security number, and date of birth. If they have been registered in a public school, the website will provide their UID number.- Currently, this portal does not contain UID lookups for private school students with ISD IEPs.
- Private school student parents should contact the special education department of the ISD that completed your student’s IEP.
- If your child has only attended private school, your local public school district should be able to enter your student's IEP information into TEA's APEX system on your behalf. This will allow them to provide you with a UID.
- If you have exhausted all methods of obtaining a UID, then you may enter "11111" followed by your zip code in the application instead of the Texas Unique Student Identifier. This will allow you to continue with the application. However, please note that the only way to ensure additional funding for a child with a disability is to have a validated IEP on file with TEA, which requires the child to have a valid Texas Unique Student Identifier (or UID).
- Please note that the only way to ensure additional SPED funding for TEFA is to have a validated IEP on file with TEA, which means the child has a valid Texas Unique Student Identifier (or UID).
- The source of truth for Texas Student Unique Identifiers (also known as a UID) is through your public school district (ISD) in which the IEP was created. Your district should have this identifier on record, even if your student has been attending a private school.
- Student's S-number, if applicable
- Student's social security number
- Student's date of birth
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Students without IEP
Children without an individualized education program (IEP) from the past three years, but with a qualifying disability:
Children with a qualifying disability who do not have an IEP on file with TEA from the past three years are not eligible for additional funding. However, if the household income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), they may still qualify for placement in the top-priority group for children with disabilities from households at or below 500% FPL.
To be considered for this group, please submit one of the following during the application process:- TEFA Disability Certification form completed by their child's practitioner
- Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE),
- Out-of-state IEP, or
- Expired Texas IEP
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TEFA Articles
- Adding IEP to Student Application
- Where Can a Parent Find Their Child’s Texas Student Unique ID (UID) Number if They Do Not Have It?
- Who Can Complete the TEFA Disability Certification Form?
- What Do the Texas IEP Instructional Codes Mean?
- What is The S-Number or Texas Unique Child Identification Number?
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PreKinder Students
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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:
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is unable to speak and comprehend the English language;
is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program;
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;
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;
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;
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;
is the child of a person eligible for 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
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.
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Why Choose a Catholic School?faith, academics & service
Catholic schools combine strong academics, faith formation, and a supportive community to help students grow in knowledge, character, and compassion. Curious to see which school is the right fit for your family? Join us at our upcoming admission events to explore all 19 schools in the Diocese, meet faculty and students, and discover how a Catholic education can help your child thrive.
Explore upcoming admission events or TEFA Application Clinics -
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Links
- TEFA Rules
- TEFA Application Clinics Near You
- TEFA Parent Prep Checklist
- Texas Education Freedom Accounts - Comptroller's Official Website
- One Page Flyer on TEFA - English
- Explicación del Programa TEFA - Español
- How to get an IEP for your child
- Como obtener un Plan Educativo Individualizado (IEP) para su hijo.
- Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops TEFA Resources
- Find a Catholic School Near You
- Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2025
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Short Videos - TEFA Explainedenglish/spanish series
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tefa email series
- TEFA Update 1: What is the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program?
- TEFA Update 2: How much funding does TEFA provide?
- TEFA Update 3: What expenses are covered by TEFA?
- TEFA Update 4: Who is Eligible for TEFA Funding?
- TEFA Update 5: Why Catholic Schools?
- TEFA Update 6: Applications are now open!
- TEFA Update 7: Application tips and support
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Learn, prepare, and explore your options.
By signing up, you’ll receive updates, easy-to-understand resources, and step-by-step guidance so your family is ready when the TEFA application opens.
Stay informed. Be prepared. Discover more choices, more support, and more faith for your child’s education.
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Educational Resources
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TEFA WebinarsWhat parents need to know about the new TEFA Program
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TEFA Next Steps
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What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?
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TEFA Session Informativaen espaÑol
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TEFA Proximos Pasos
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What is School Choice?
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News
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March 26
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program will be extended through 11:59 p.m. CT, March 31.Read More -
February 5
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that more than 42,000 students applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) on Feb. 4, the first day of the program’s launch. The total represents a nationwide record for most enrollments for day one of a new school choice program, surpassing Tennessee’s 33,000 student applications in 2025.Read More -
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock: More than 20,000 Students Applied for TEFA During First HourFebruary 4
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today the successful launch of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. Shortly after noon, more than 20,000 students had applied for the largest year-one school choice initiative in the nation, including nearly 8,000 in the first hour.Read More
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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School Choice v. Parental Choice: “School choice” is the most common term used to describe government funding for non-public school options. The term "parental choice” more accurately reflects the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct their children’s education.
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Everyone. Currently, only those able to afford to live in the best public-school districts or to pay private school tuition enjoy a full range of educational options. However, through a well-designed parental choice program, families with fewer financial resources will no longer be limited to their local public school and will be able to consider additional educational opportunities.
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The Texas Legislature created the education savings account program in 2025 to give families more choices in their children’s education. The program was then officially named Texas Education Freedom Accounts. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, funds will be made available to eligible students accepted into the program that can be used for tuition, tutoring, home-school educational expenses, or other approved education expenses.
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The State of Texas has appropriated $1 billion for the first year of the program to support families seeking education options outside the traditional public school system.
The amount available per student depends on the child’s situation:
Private school students
State law sets the amount of the transfer at 85 percent of the statewide average amount of state and local funding per student in Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has determined the amount for the 2026-27 school year is $10,474 per child if the student attends an approved private school.Students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP) on file with their school district
May receive more — up to $30,000 per year.Homeschooled students
May receive up to $2,000 per year.
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The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will oversee the program to ensure funds are used properly. Odyssey was selected as the certified educational assistance organization (CEAO) that will help with administration of the program under the Comptroller’s oversight.
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Yes! Homeschool families may qualify for $2,000 per eligible student to help cover approved educational expenses such as curriculum, materials, and resources.
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- A provider of supplemental special education services previously approved by TEA.
- A private school accredited by TEPSAC or TEA and annually administers a nationally norm-referenced assessment in grades 3-12 and has continuously operated a campus for at least two school years preceding the date the school seeks approval to participate in the program.
- A school district or charter school accredited by TEA and able to provide services or products to participating children in a manner that the children are not counted toward average daily attendance.
- A qualified private tutor, therapist, or teaching service employee.
- A higher education provider that demonstrates nationally recognized postsecondary education accreditation.
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- Tuition and fees for a private school, higher ed provider, online educational course or program, or a program that provides industry-based credential approved by TEA.
- Costs of breakfast or lunch provided during the school day by a private school.
- Purchase of instructional materials or uniforms.
- Fees for classes provided by a public school.
- Costs related to academic assessments.
- Fees for private tutor or teaching service.
- Fees for transportation provided by a fee-for-service transportation provider.
- Fees for educational therapies or services not covered by government benefits or private insurance.
- Costs of computer hardware and software and other technological devices required by a provider or prescribed by a physician (not to exceed in any year 10% of the total amount in the child’s EFA for the year).
- Money may not be used to pay any person related to a program participant within the third degree of consanguinity.
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An education service provider or vendor who receives TEFA money is not a recipient of federal financial assistance and may not be considered a state actor. 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.
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- Quarterly transfers into Texas EFA accounts will be made on the first day of July, October, January, and April.
- If a child enrolls in the program after the beginning of the school year, the amount transferred is prorated based on the date of enrollment.
- Any money remaining in a participating child’s account will be carried over to the next fiscal year.
- Transfers to an account are not considered taxable income unless otherwise provided by federal or another state’s law.
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Parents must agree to:
- Spend program money only for eligible expenses.
- Share child's assessment results with Odyssey (Certified Educational Assistance Organization).
- Not sell an item purchased with program money.
- Notify Odyssey within 30 days of the child enrolling in public school, graduating high school, or otherwise becoming ineligible to enroll in public school.
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- The parent of a child not enrolled in public school may request a school district evaluate a child for determining eligibility for special education services and participation in the EFA program as a child with a disability. If the child is eligible, the school district must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the child.
- The certified education assistance organization (CEAO) must provide notice to parents that a private school is not subject to federal and state laws regarding the provision of educational services to a child with a disability in the same manner as a public school.
- The CEAO must provide information regarding the rights to which a child with a disability is entitled if the child attends a public school
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No. Once a family is approved and receives an TEFA, they do not need to reapply each year. Their account will remain active as long as they continue to meet the program’s requirements.
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Please contact the Catholic school of your preference and speak with your pastor or principal, who can assist you with more information on available scholarships and/or financial assistance.
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Yes. You may update submitted information until 11:59 p.m. CT March 17. Log in to the Odyssey platform and find the “Application History” section to edit your application.
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Yes. You have until the summer to select a participating private school that meets your child's needs. TEFA applications and private school admissions are separate processes, so be sure to enroll in the school you would like your child to attend. Please note: More schools are being added to our school finder tool on a regular basis.
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The simplest way to look up your child’s UID is with this tool provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This will allow us to match their records to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) on file with TEA, if one exists for the 2023-24, 2024-25 or 2025-26 school year. Please note that a student may have a UID but not have a current IEP on file.
If your child has a disability but does not have a current IEP on file, you can upload an older or out-of-state IEP or a TEFA Disability Certification Form to ensure their application is prioritized.
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Yes, but pre-K students must meet different eligibility criteria. Texas children are eligible for free pre-K if they meet the age requirements and one or more of the following apply:
- They are unable to speak or comprehend the English language.
- The are eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program.
- They are homeless.
- They are the child of an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or the reserves.
- They are the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or the reserves, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty.
- They are or ever have been in foster care.
- They are the child of a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical responder seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and received the Star of Texas Award.
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