Texas Education Freedom
Accounts.
Overview
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program is an education savings account program for eligible families. TEFA will give students money in special accounts that can be used for their education, including the tuition costs for preschool at an approved child care center, private school, microschools, homeschooling, or tutoring.
- Students will receive $10,474 per year to attend private pre-k or private school.
- Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 per year, depending on their learning plan (IEP).
- Students who are homeschooled can receive up to $2,000 per year.
The application window for the 2026-2027 school year has closed. Families will be notified of selection via email beginning April 22, 2026. If you missed the window to apply, check back in Winter 2026 for updates on the 2027-2028 school year application.
Eligibility
Students must be US citizens or legally allowed to live in the US. All K-12 students who reside in Texas can apply, no matter their family’s income.
Pre-K Eligibility
Children who will be aged 3 to 5 by September 1st , 2026 must also be eligible for free pre-k in Texas by meeting one of the following criteria:
- Free and Reduced Lunch status.
- English learner.
- Experiencing homelessness or has ever been in foster care.
- A child of a member of the armed forces or a reserve component of the armed services who is active duty or was injured or killed in the line of duty.
- A child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as: a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder.
- A child of a teacher at a public school that offers a pre-k class.
Eligible Purchases
TEFA can help pay for tuition at approved child care providers, giving you access to full-day preschool programs. It can also pay for private school tuition, school meals, transportation, required uniforms, and certain educational therapies.
Prioritization
Students who are low income or have a documented need for special education services will be prioritized for selection. Once a child is selected, their siblings will be automatically prioritized.
Private Education for PK – 12th grade
TEFA follows a student through graduation as long as they do not enroll in a public school. Leftover money rolls over every year.
Upcoming Events & Technical Assistance
- Webinars in English and Spanish.
- Resources to help find a school.
- Documents for your application.
- In-person preparedness trainings.
- Free webinars
- 1×1 Business coaching.
- Fliers, yard signs, and marketing support.
Have Questions?
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
You can also email help.tx@withodyssey.com or call toll free at 737-379-2362.