I want to make you aware of an important update regarding Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) — the new state school-choice funding program — as the family application portal is scheduled to open on February 4.
This is a brand-new program, and there has been a great deal of interest statewide, so my goal here is simply to help you understand how it works, what to expect, and where to find accurate information.
Overview of the Program
Education Freedom Accounts allow eligible Texas families to receive state funds to support approved educational expenses, including:
Tuition at participating private schools
Homeschool curriculum and instructional materials
Approved tutoring services
Educational therapies and related services
Funding amounts vary by student circumstance, with additional funding available for students with qualifying special needs.
Application & Lottery Process
Because demand is expected to exceed available funding in the first year, the state has indicated that:
Families must submit an application once the portal opens
If applications exceed available funds, a state-run lottery will be used to determine awards
Priority categories may apply (as defined by the state), followed by a general lottery
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, but families must apply in order to be considered.
Private School Participation (Greater Austin Area)
Private schools must separately apply and be approved by the state to accept TEFA funds. Participation is voluntary, and schools are being approved on a rolling basis.
Rather than relying on informal lists, I strongly recommend using the official state school search tool, which is updated as schools are confirmed:
👉 Official TEFA School Finder:
https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/
This tool allows families to search by city or school name and is currently the most reliable source for confirmed participating schools in the Austin and greater Central Texas area.
Many schools are still finalizing their decisions and approvals, so it is normal for participation lists to evolve over the coming weeks and months. You can also simply ask the school of interest too—what their plans are in regard to this program.
Homeschool & Tutoring Families
Importantly, families who homeschool — or who plan to supplement schooling with tutoring or educational services — may also use TEFA funds for:
Approved curriculum and instructional materials
Tutoring and academic support
Certain educational services aligned with state guidelines
This makes the program relevant not only for private-school families, but also for homeschoolers and hybrid learners.
Next Steps for Families
Review program details at https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/
Mark February 4 as the expected opening date for applications
Monitor the official school finder if private school participation is important to your planning
Understand that this is a new program, and adjustments and clarifications are likely as implementation unfolds