Austin, Texas, February 4, 2026
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program has officially launched, allowing families to apply for state funds to assist with private school tuition and other educational expenses. The program, introduced by the Texas Legislature, serves to offer families increased educational choices. With funding available for private school students, homeschool families, and those with disabilities, the application process is now open until March 17. Families are encouraged to apply early as funding is limited.
Austin, Texas – Starting today, February 4, 2026, Texas families can apply for the new Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, which offers state funds to assist with private school tuition and other educational expenses. The application window will remain open until March 17, 2026.
Program Overview
The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025 under Senate Bill 2, aims to provide families with greater educational choices. Eligible students can receive funds to cover various educational costs, including private school tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and approved educational therapies. The program is managed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, with Odyssey serving as the certified educational assistance organization overseeing its administration.
Funding Details
The amount of funding available to each student varies based on their educational setting:
- Private School Students: Eligible students can receive up to $10,474 for the 2026–27 school year, representing 85% of the statewide average of state and local funding per public school student. Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may receive up to $30,000 per year.
- Homeschool Students: Families homeschooling their children are eligible for up to $2,000 per year.
Application Process
Families interested in applying should prepare the following documents:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the parent.
- SSN for the child.
- Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for 2024 or 2025.
- Texas residency documents, such as a Texas driver’s license number or state-issued ID.
For students with disabilities, additional documentation may be required, including an IEP or a disability certification form signed by a licensed professional. Detailed information and the application portal are available on the official TEFA website.
Key Dates
- February 4, 2026: Application window opens.
- March 17, 2026: Application window closes.
- Early April 2026: Families will be notified of their funding status.
- July 1, 2026: At least 25% of approved funding will be available in participant accounts.
- October 1, 2026: At least 50% of approved funding will be available in participant accounts.
- April 1, 2027: Remaining funding will be available in participant accounts.
Program Administration
The Texas Comptroller’s Office oversees the TEFA program to ensure funds are used appropriately. Odyssey, a New York-based tech firm, has been contracted to administer the program. This firm also manages similar school choice programs in other states.
Additional Information
For more details on the TEFA program, including eligibility criteria and a comprehensive list of approved expenses, visit the official TEFA website. Families are encouraged to apply promptly, as funding is limited and applications will be prioritized based on state-established criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program?
The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025 under Senate Bill 2, provides families with state funds to assist with private school tuition and other educational expenses, offering greater educational choices.
Who is eligible to participate in the TEFA program?
Eligible students include Texas residents who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States and are eligible to attend a Texas school district, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K program. This includes children of active-duty U.S. armed forces members.
How much funding can families receive through the TEFA program?
Funding amounts vary based on the student’s educational setting. Private school students can receive up to $10,474 for the 2026–27 school year, with students with disabilities potentially receiving up to $30,000. Homeschool students are eligible for up to $2,000 per year.
What expenses are covered by the TEFA program?
Approved expenses include tuition and fees at private schools, textbooks, required uniforms, private tutoring, transportation to/from approved providers, educational therapies not covered by other benefits, and computer hardware or software (up to 10% of the total amount transferred to the child’s account that year).
How do families apply for the TEFA program?
Families can apply through the official TEFA website. The application window opens on February 4, 2026, and closes on March 17, 2026. Required documents include the parent’s SSN or ITIN, the child’s SSN, recent tax returns, and Texas residency documents. Additional documentation may be required for students with disabilities.
When will families be notified about their funding status?
Funding notifications will be sent to parents beginning in early April 2026.
How is the TEFA program administered?
The Texas Comptroller’s Office oversees the TEFA program, with Odyssey serving as the certified educational assistance organization responsible for its administration.
Key Features of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) |
| Application Period | February 4, 2026 – March 17, 2026 |
| Funding Amounts | Up to $10,474 for private school students; up to $30,000 for students with disabilities; up to $2,000 for homeschool students |
| Eligible Expenses | Tuition, textbooks, uniforms, tutoring, transportation, educational therapies, computer hardware/software (up to 10% of total funding) |
| Program Administration | Managed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office; administered by Odyssey |
| Notification of Funding Status | Early April 2026 |
| Initial Funding Availability | July 1, 2026 – At least 25% of approved funding |
| Additional Funding | October 1, 2026 – At least 50% of approved funding; April 1, 2027 – Remaining funding |
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