Schools

Approved private schools, including providers of pre-K and kindergarten programs, can apply at any time to participate in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts™ (TEFA) program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Schools

Approve private schools, including providers of pre-K and kindergarten programs, can apply at any time to participate in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts™ (TEFA) program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


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To participate in the TEFA program, private schools must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) or by the Texas Education Agency.
  • Be a proven operator that has successfully run a campus for at least two years.
  • Administer a nationally norm-referenced assessment.
  • Be located in Texas or, for a virtual school, have an office in Texas.

A provider of a pre-K or kindergarten program must be located in Texas, licensed by, and be in good standing with, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and:

  • Be accredited by a research-based, nationally recognized, and universally accessible accreditation system approved by the Commissioner of Education;
  • Be a Texas Rising Star Program provider with a three-star certification or higher;
  • Be a Texas School Ready! participant;
  • Have an existing partnership with a school district to provide a pre-k program not provided under Chapter 29, subchapter E-1 of the Texas Education Code; or
  • Be accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application period for private schools opened on December 9, 2025. Private schools may apply on a rolling basis. Private schools must be in Texas, accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission or another accreditor recognized by the Texas Education Agency, and in continuous operation for at least two school years preceding the date of application. They also must annually administer a nationally norm-referenced assessment to participating students in grades 3-12. More information will be forthcoming soon.

The amount depends on the child’s situation:
Private school students
State law sets the amount of the transfer at 85 percent of the statewide average amount of state and local funding per student in Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has determined the amount for the 2026-27 school year is $10,474 per child if the student attends an approved private school.

Students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP) on file with their school district
May receive more — up to $30,000 per year.

Homeschooled students
May receive up to $2,000 per year.

Yes, if the provider applies for approval and is accepted into the program.

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