Families across Texas can now apply for the state’s new Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, with the application portal opening Wednesday morning as part of a major expansion of school choice opportunities for the 2026-27 school year.
The initiative, created by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, will award state funds to eligible families to help cover approved education costs such as private school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling and other learning services.
Applications are open from Feb. 4 through March 17, and parents can apply through the official TEFA portal at educationfreedom.texas.gov; families should complete required documentation including proof of Texas residency, income information and details about their child’s educational plans.
For students attending private school, the standard award amount for the 2026-27 school year has been set at 85 percent of the statewide average per-student funding, which the Texas Education Agency puts at about $10,474, while eligible students with disabilities may receive up to $30,000, and homeschool students may receive up to $2,000.
Because TEFA funding is limited to a roughly $1 billion appropriation, officials will use a prioritization process and, if necessary, a lottery system to allocate awards, beginning with students with disabilities and families at lower income levels.
The Comptroller’s office encourages parents to visit the TEFA website for detailed application instructions and a list of participating private schools and approved educational services.
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