San Antonio, Texas, February 5, 2026
Starting February 4, Texas families can apply for the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. This initiative allows families to use public funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses, aiming to provide more choices for students. The program allocates substantial funding for eligible families, including those with disabilities and homeschooled children. Applications will be open for a limited time, and funds will be distributed over several years to support educational needs.
San Antonio, Texas – Texas Families Can Now Apply for Private School Vouchers
San Antonio, Texas – Starting February 4, 2026, Texas families can apply for the state’s new private school voucher program, known as the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). This initiative allows parents to use public funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses, aiming to provide more educational choices for students across the state.
Program Details
The TEFA program offers the following benefits to eligible families:
- Private School Students: Receive approximately $10,474 to $10,800 per year, covering about 85% of the average per-student state and local public school funding.
- Students with Disabilities: Eligible for up to $30,000 annually, based on public school district spending on special education services.
- Homeschooled Students: Receive $2,000 per year to support homeschooling expenses.
These funds can be used for tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, tutoring, educational therapies, technology, standardized tests, and other approved expenses. The program is capped at $1 billion for its initial years, with funds distributed over several years to support families effectively.
Application Process
Applications are open from February 4 through March 17, 2026. To apply, families must visit the TEFA program’s official website and provide the following information:
- Parent’s Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Parent’s state-issued identification number
- Parent’s tax return for 2024 or 2025
- Student’s Social Security Number or proof of lawful status
- Proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage agreement, or voter registration card
The application process is estimated to take about 10 to 20 minutes. Families will be notified in April 2026 regarding their funding status. Once approved, at least 25% of the funds will be deposited into accounts by July 1, 2026, with the remaining funds released by April 1, 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the TEFA program, students must be U.S. citizens or lawfully present Texas residents. Military families stationed in Texas are also eligible. The program is open to all school-age children in Texas, including those currently attending private schools, public schools, or being homeschooled. However, private schools must be accredited and operational for at least two years to participate in the program.
Program Administration
The TEFA program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, with Odyssey, a technology platform, assisting in the application process, managing payments, and reviewing complaints. This collaboration aims to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for families seeking to utilize the program.
Background
The TEFA program was established following the passage of Senate Bill 2 in 2025, which allocated $1 billion to create education savings accounts for up to 90,000 students. The program is designed to provide families with greater educational freedom and support students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities and those being homeschooled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program?
The TEFA program is a state initiative that allows Texas families to use public funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses, aiming to provide more educational choices for students across the state.
Who is eligible to apply for the TEFA program?
To qualify for the TEFA program, students must be U.S. citizens or lawfully present Texas residents. Military families stationed in Texas are also eligible. The program is open to all school-age children in Texas, including those currently attending private schools, public schools, or being homeschooled.
What expenses can the TEFA funds be used for?
The funds can be used for tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, tutoring, educational therapies, technology, standardized tests, and other approved expenses.
How do I apply for the TEFA program?
Applications are open from February 4 through March 17, 2026. To apply, visit the TEFA program’s official website and provide the required information, including the parent’s and student’s Social Security Numbers or proof of lawful status, proof of Texas residency, and tax returns for 2024 or 2025.
When will I know if my application is approved?
Families will be notified in April 2026 regarding their funding status. Once approved, at least 25% of the funds will be deposited into accounts by July 1, 2026, with the remaining funds released by April 1, 2027.
Who administers the TEFA program?
The TEFA program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, with Odyssey, a technology platform, assisting in the application process, managing payments, and reviewing complaints.
Key Features of the TEFA Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | Up to $10,800 per year for private school students; up to $30,000 for students with disabilities; $2,000 for homeschooled students. |
| Eligible Expenses | Tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, tutoring, educational therapies, technology, standardized tests, and other approved expenses. |
| Application Period | February 4 through March 17, 2026. |
| Notification of Approval | Families will be notified in April 2026 regarding their funding status. |
| Fund Distribution | At least 25% of the funds will be deposited into accounts by July 1, 2026, with the remaining funds released by April 1, 2027. |
| Eligibility | Open to all school-age children in Texas who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present residents, including those currently attending private schools, public schools, or being homeschooled. |
| Program Administration | Administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, with Odyssey assisting in the application process, managing payments, and reviewing complaints. |
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