Texas, January 13, 2026
Texas has approved 775 private schools and pre-kindergarten providers to participate in the new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, offering families state funds for private educational expenses. The program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), provides financial assistance to eligible families starting from the 2026–27 school year, enabling them to cover tuition and other approved educational costs.
Over 700 Texas Private Schools and Pre-K Providers Approved for Education Savings Account Program
Austin, Texas — As of early January 2026, 775 private schools and pre-kindergarten providers in Texas have been approved to participate in the state’s new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). This initiative aims to provide eligible families with state funds to support private education and related expenses starting in the 2026–27 school year.
Program Overview
The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025, allocates approximately $1 billion to assist families in covering educational costs. Eligible students can receive up to $10,474 annually for tuition and approved expenses at accredited private schools. Students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000 per year, while homeschooled students are eligible for up to $2,000 annually. Approved expenses include tuition, textbooks, uniforms, tutoring, and educational therapies.
Approved Providers
The majority of approved schools are located in major metropolitan areas, with:
- 233 schools in the Houston area
- 195 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
- 94 schools in the San Antonio area
- 70 schools in the Austin area
Notably, 87% of these approved private schools offer pre-kindergarten services, catering to a range of educational needs.
Application Process
Families interested in the TEFA program can apply starting February 4, 2026. The application window will close on March 17, 2026. Notifications regarding funding status will be sent to applicants in early April 2026. Accepted families will have access to at least 25% of their allocated funds by July 1, 2026, with the remaining funds becoming available in subsequent months.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the TEFA program, students must:
- Reside in Texas
- Be U.S. citizens or lawful residents
- Be eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K program
Priority for funding will be given to students with disabilities whose household income is at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, followed by children from households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Program Administration
The Texas Comptroller’s office oversees the TEFA program, with Odyssey, a New York-based technology company, assisting in its administration. This partnership aims to ensure efficient and transparent management of the program’s funds and resources.
Additional Information
For more details on the TEFA program, including a list of approved schools and pre-K providers, families can visit the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website.
Key Features of the TEFA Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | Up to $10,474 annually for tuition and approved expenses; up to $30,000 for students with disabilities; up to $2,000 for homeschooled students. |
| Application Period | February 4 – March 17, 2026. |
| Eligibility | Texas residents who are U.S. citizens or lawful residents, eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K program. |
| Program Administration | Overseen by the Texas Comptroller’s office, with assistance from Odyssey, a New York-based technology company. |
What is the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program?
The TEFA program is a state initiative that provides eligible families with state funds to support private education and related expenses, starting in the 2026–27 school year.
How much funding is available through the TEFA program?
Eligible students can receive up to $10,474 annually for tuition and approved expenses at accredited private schools. Students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000 per year, while homeschooled students are eligible for up to $2,000 annually.
When can families apply for the TEFA program?
Families can apply starting February 4, 2026. The application window will close on March 17, 2026. Notifications regarding funding status will be sent to applicants in early April 2026.
Who is eligible for the TEFA program?
To be eligible, students must reside in Texas, be U.S. citizens or lawful residents, and be eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K program.
How is the TEFA program administered?
The Texas Comptroller’s office oversees the TEFA program, with Odyssey, a New York-based technology company, assisting in its administration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Celebrates 250 Years of American History
Protests Erupt at Austin City Hall Following Fatal ICE Shooting
Governor Abbott Appoints Brock Osweiler to Texas Higher Education Board
Pflugerville and Hutto Experience Business Boom
Weekend Events in Austin, TX
Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program Launches
Texas A&M University Limits Plato Readings in Philosophy Class
San Antonio H-E-B Store Opens with Exciting Features
Texas AFT Files Lawsuit Against TEA Over Educator Free Speech
Texas Compiles List of Transgender Individuals from License Data
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
