What is TEFA?

• TEFA is a new statewide education savings / voucher program created by the Texas Legislature (through Senate Bill 2) that gives eligible Texas families public funds to help pay for educational options outside traditional public schools: private schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and other approved educational services. Texas Comptroller+2Texas Education Freedom Accounts+2
• The program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Texas Comptroller+1
• A private company, Odyssey, was selected to manage the TEFA platform — where approved families will get a digital wallet and can use funds via a “marketplace” of approved schools and vendors. Texas Comptroller+1

In short: instead of sending you child to (or continuing in) a public school, families can use TEFA funds to customize their child’s education in a different setting — with state support.

Who is eligible?

Your child qualifies if:

• They are a U.S. citizen or legally admitted into the U.S. and reside in Texas. Texas Comptroller+1
• They are eligible to attend a Texas public school or open-enrollment charter school (or eligible for public-school pre-K or kindergarten). Texas Comptroller+2Texas Comptroller+2
• Their parent or legal guardian lives in Texas. Texas Comptroller+1

Once accepted, a child remains eligible until — for example — they graduate high school, enroll in a Texas public or charter school, move out of state, or become otherwise ineligible. Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1

Note: Families do not have to re-apply each year, as long as the student stays in good standing. Texas Comptroller+1

How much funding is available (and how it can be used)

The amount of money a child receives through TEFA depends on their educational setting:

* Final amounts for 2026–27 will be confirmed by the state in January 2026. Texas Comptroller+1

What TEFA funds can be used for

Approved expenses under TEFA include — but are not limited to: Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1

• Private school tuition and fees (or tuition/fees for approved pre-K / kindergarten programs) Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Textbooks and other required instructional materials Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Required school uniforms Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Tutoring, private classes, academic assessments, or therapy/educational therapies (if not covered by other public/insurance benefits) Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Transportation to/from approved providers (if needed) Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Computer hardware or software — though limited to no more than 10% of that child’s annual TEFA funds Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Meals provided by the private school (if offered) Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1

Unspent funds roll over from year to year, as long as the child remains in the TEFA program. Texas Education Freedom Accounts

How will TEFA work and when can families apply?

• The first application window for parents and families is scheduled to open on February 4, 2026. Texas Comptroller+1
• After applications close, families will be notified whether their child is accepted and awarded funds. Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• For private school students: parents will select and confirm the school where their child will attend. Participating private schools must complete their own enrollment confirmation. Texas Education Freedom Accounts+2Texas Comptroller+2
• TEFA funds will be disbursed over the school year — e.g., placements in a digital wallet, allowing families to pay tuition or buy approved services/materials via an online “marketplace.” Texas Comptroller+1
• Accredited private schools (or pre-K/kindergarten programs) interested in participating must first apply; requirements include being accredited by a recognized agency, having operated for at least two years, and administering a nationally norm-referenced assessment annually for participating students (grades 3–12). Texas Comptroller+1

What to keep in mind — what TEFA does and doesn’t guarantee

What it offers:

• Flexibility and more education-option choices: private school, homeschool, tutoring, specialized therapies, etc. — depending on what works for your child.
• Extra support for children with disabilities (higher per-student funding potential).
• Autonomy for parents to decide the educational path; funding follows the student rather than being locked into public-school ZIP codes.

What to watch out for / limitations:

• Not every eligible child is guaranteed acceptance. If demand outpaces available funds, TEFA uses a prioritization system. Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Private schools must choose to participate and meet accreditation and assessment requirements; not all private schools may opt in. Texas Comptroller+1
• TEFA funds can only be used for specified approved expenses, and there are rules (e.g., limit on computer purchases). Texas Education Freedom Accounts+1
• Families must follow program and reporting rules; misuse can trigger audits. Texas Comptroller+1

What this means for families in El Paso

Since TEFA is statewide, eligible families in El Paso — whether in the city or surrounding areas — can apply just like families elsewhere in Texas. Some local considerations:

• If you plan to use the funds for a private school, check soon whether that school intends to opt-in to TEFA. Not all private schools have to participate.
• Use the TEFA digital-wallet/marketplace system for approved expenses; keep good records to ensure compliance.

Next Steps for Interested Parents

1. Sign up for updates on the TEFA website (run by the Comptroller) to receive news about application opening, deadlines, and participating private schools. Texas Comptroller+1
2. Gather documentation: proof of residency in Texas, verification that your child is eligible to attend public school or pre-K/kindergarten, and — if applicable — IEP or proof of disability and need.
3. Research local private schools / vendors / homeschool curricula to see which accept TEFA funds (or intend to).
4. Plan around timelines: since many private schools have admission deadlines early in a year, confirm whether TEFA acceptance/funding aligns with those deadlines before committing.
5. Consider backup options: because acceptance is not guaranteed (if demand is high), have a fallback plan — e.g. public school, charter school, or homeschool without relying solely on TEFA.

For more detailed information, please visit the website below.

https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/