What is TEFA?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts is a state program that helps eligible families pay approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools.
$10,474
Standard private-school award for 2026–27. Some students with qualifying disabilities may receive more, up to $30,000 based on their IEP and state determination.
Those figures apply to 2026–27. For the next school year, check the official TEFA website.
What could it cover?
Often eligible
- Tuition at a participating private school
- Qualifying registration and technology fees
- Books and instructional supplies
- Required uniforms and school-provided meals
- Eligible tutoring, therapies, and transportation
Usually not eligible
- Before- and after-school supervision
- Fundraising and capital campaign fees
- Parent association membership fees
- Charges unrelated to instruction
Schools may calculate discretionary financial aid differently when a family receives a TEFA award. Ask for the full price, funding treatment, and final balance in writing.
Seven questions worth asking
- What is the full tuition for my child's grade?
- What fees are required, not optional?
- Which charges can TEFA funds cover?
- Does TEFA affect financial aid offered by the school?
- What deposits or tuition payments are due first?
- Are there seats available in my child's grade?
- What learning support is available and what does it cost?
Official references: TEFA families · Tuition and fee guidelines