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—from 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?
An Education Freedom Account, previously an Education Savings Account, is a voluntary and universal program appropriating $1B for approximately 70k Texas students through a tiered lottery system
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) provides parents of students in non-public Texas schools a publicly-funded, government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple, uses for their children’s education. The EFA program will be administered on behalf of the State by a Certified Educational Assistance Organization (CEAO), selected by the Comptroller.
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 “provider” 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: “Parent” 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
Application Approval Process
Parents will be able to apply starting Feb. 4, 2026.
The application window is likely to last around six weeks. Parents should receive notification of whether they have been approved for funds on or before May 1.
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 Brook Hill administers meets this requirement). Parents of EFA children will be responsible for reporting those test scores to the state to participate in the program
- Brook Hill will be required to hold their accreditation
FAQ'S
IS A TEFA FUND RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY?
We encourage all families seeking to afford private, 51AVƵ education to apply and explore your options.
WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?
Parents will be able to apply starting Feb. 4, 2026.
The application window is likely to last around six weeks. Parents should receive notification of whether they have been approved for funds on or before May 1.
WHAT SCHOOL YEAR DOES TEFA BEGIN?
TEFA students will receive funds and begin attending school in the fall of 2026.
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 Brook Hill if you still need additional financial aid after receiving your EFA.
All families applying for Financial Aid through Brook Hill 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?
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
KATIE MARKASKY
CFO
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.
