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A simple path to an informed decision
Many families hear a funding amount and feel pressure to switch quickly. A strong TEFA decision usually comes from three checks: support, sustainability, and accountability.
Support
Confirm what the new school will provide for your child’s needs, in writing. If your child has a 504 or IEP, do not assume it will carry over.
- Ask for specific services and who delivers them
- Ask how interventions work if a child falls behind
- Ask what happens if a child is asked to leave
Sustainability
Plan for the true gap, not just tuition. Many costs sit outside the award. Tuition often rises every year.
- Calculate the true gap for 3 years
- Include transport, uniforms, fees, tech
- Have a backup plan if funding ends
Accountability
Public schools report outcomes through state systems. Private data can be limited. Ask how the school measures growth.
- Ask which test they use and why
- Ask how results are shared with parents
- Ask about teacher qualifications and turnover
Do not give up a strong public option too quickly
Magnet and charter programs can offer specialized environments (arts, STEM, IB, classical, Montessori style instruction) with no tuition. Consider them before exiting the public system.
Program basics
What TEFA is (and what it is not)
TEFA is a Texas program that provides funds for some families to pay for approved educational expenses outside the public school system. Funds are managed through a restricted account system and used to pay approved vendors.
How the money flow works
State allocates funds
Funding is deposited into a restricted program account, not a personal bank account.
Odyssey platform manages transactions
The account is program managed. Funds are tracked and audited. Purchases must be approved educational expenses.
Payments go to approved vendors
It is not cash to parents. Non approved purchases may need to be repaid and can create tax complications.
Key reminders
- TEFA does not guarantee a private school seat
- You must apply and be accepted by the school independently
- Confirm provider approval status before committing
Use this page as a safety checklist
Rights and services can change
If your child relies on special education services, you should understand what changes under IDEA, and ask schools directly what they can provide.
Before you decide
Confirm costs, supports, and accountability. Ask for everything in writing.
Always keep a backup plan
If admission is denied, funding ends, or services fall short, know your re enrollment options early.
Approved spending
Allowable expenses (what TEFA can pay for)
TEFA funds are intended for approved educational expenses and are audited. Confirm your purchases are approved and your provider is approved before using funds.
Common approved categories
Tuition and fees
Private and parochial tuition and related fees, if the school is an approved provider.
Tutoring
Targeted instruction, intervention, or supplemental learning services through approved vendors.
Curriculum and textbooks
Instructional materials, curriculum packages, and required learning resources.
Uniforms and required supplies
If required by the school, uniforms and certain supplies may be eligible.
Transportation
Costs to and from approved educational services, within program rules.
Therapies
Speech, OT, PT, and related services through approved vendors.
Education technology
Hardware and software may be limited by program rules (often a capped share of the award). Confirm eligibility before purchasing.
Assessment and testing fees
Testing costs tied to required assessments and accountability expectations.
Keep receipts and confirm eligibility
Because funds are audited, confirm vendor approval and item eligibility before purchase. If you buy something non approved, you may need to repay it.
Practical tips
Ask this on every tour
“Is the TEFA award accepted as full payment, or will we be billed for the difference?”
Ask for a written fee schedule
Request the list of mandatory fees: technology, activity, building fund, uniforms, and any required devices.
Plan for roll over, but do not rely on it
Some funds may roll over year to year depending on tier and rules. Treat roll over as a bonus, not a plan.
Funding levels
Award amounts and what they usually cover
Awards vary by student profile. Even when an award is higher, private schools may not be required to provide the same services as public schools.
General student
~$10,474
per year
Often covers only part of private tuition, and does not automatically cover fees, uniforms, transport, or extra supports.
Student with qualifying disability
Up to ~$30,000
per year
A higher award does not guarantee comparable services. Ask what supports the private school will implement and who provides them.
Homeschool
~$2,000
per year
Often used for curriculum, materials, tutoring, and eligible services through approved vendors.
Eligibility verification
Eligibility may be verified through a State Unique Student ID. If you do not have it available, some families use a placeholder pattern like 111 plus your zip code in certain systems. Always follow official instructions in the application portal.
Pre K
Unlock funding for quality Pre K
Pre K under TEFA is often more restricted than K to 12. Confirm eligibility and confirm that the provider is licensed and approved.
Pre K eligibility checklist
Age requirement
Age 4 by September 1, 2026. Some districts may have limited approvals for age 3.
Residency
Texas resident.
Provider status
Provider should be a licensed Pre K operator and an approved vendor in the TEFA ecosystem. Confirm before enrolling.
Important note about Pre K funding
Unlike K to 12, TEFA funding for Pre K can be restricted. Families who do not meet qualifying criteria may be ineligible for state funded Pre K support and may need to pay tuition out of pocket.
Six common qualifying pathways
Confirm current definitions and documentation requirements in the official TEFA portal.
Income eligible
Free or reduced lunch criteria and related public assistance qualifiers.
English learner
Student qualifies as an English language learner.
Homelessness
Qualifies under federal homelessness definitions.
Foster care
Current or former foster care involvement.
Military dependent
Child of certain active duty, injured, or deceased service members.
Star of Texas
Child of eligible first responders under program definitions.
Find quality preschools
Use our Early Childhood search to find licensed centers, review quality signals (QRIS and accreditation), and use parent checklists.
The landscape
Understanding school options in Texas
Before moving away from your current school, understand how public, magnet, charter, private, and homeschool options differ in admissions, cost, and accountability. Learn more about the US School System and importance of quality schools.
| Feature | Public (traditional) | Public (magnet) | Public (charter) | Private |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it | Your assigned neighborhood school | Specialized theme such as arts, STEM, IB | Innovative public models such as classical or Montessori style | Independent mission, often religious or specialized |
| Admissions | Zoned, automatic based on address | Selective, may require tests, auditions, or GPA | Lottery, no academic barriers in most cases | Selective, interviews, applications, and fees |
| Governance | Local school board (ISD) | Local school board (ISD) | Independent board of directors | Private board or church |
| Funding | Public funding | Public funding | Public funding | Tuition and donations |
| Curriculum | TEKS with STAAR testing | TEKS and STAAR plus specialized focus | TEKS and STAAR, flexibility in teaching model | Independent curriculum, STAAR not required |
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a legally recognized private education option for families who prefer to personally direct curriculum and schedule.
High value alternatives to consider first
Magnet and charter programs can provide specialized environments with zero tuition, while maintaining public accountability systems.
- Search magnet programs in your district and confirm deadlines
- Explore charter networks with strong outcomes and stable leadership
- Compare commute and daily logistics before committing
The stability factor
If your child is thriving in a well rated public school, stability has real value. Switching can introduce new academic and social risks.
- Check your current school’s outcomes and supports
- Compare what you might lose: transport, services, legal protections
- Switch only when the new option is clearly better for your child
Quality and transparency
Evaluating educational quality and accountability
Public schools publish outcome data through state systems. Private school data may be limited or marketing driven. Use data, ask for results, and verify fit for your child.
A simple quality review framework
Assumption check
Private does not automatically mean better. Compare outcomes and supports, not just branding or funding availability.
Data transparency
Public schools have clearer outcome reporting. For private schools, ask what data they share and how often.
High value alternatives
Explore charter and magnet options first when they meet your child’s needs, since they often provide specialization with public accountability.
Stability
If your child is thriving in a strong public school, switching has real risk. Make changes for clear, verified benefit.
Testing expectations for TEFA users (grades 3 to 12)
Some TEFA participation pathways require an annual nationally norm referenced assessment (examples include Iowa Test, MAP Growth, Stanford 10) to maintain eligibility. Confirm current requirements in the official TEFA portal.
Where to check school quality
Use both public data and practical observations. Data answers “How are students doing?” Tours answer “Is this the right fit?”
Tour checklist (fast)
- Ask how they measure learning growth
- Ask how they handle struggling students
- Ask what supports exist for learning differences
- Ask about teacher credentials and turnover
Costs and planning
The financial reality: calculating the true gap
Many families underestimate total costs. The strongest decisions are made with a full year view and a three year view.
A simple true gap formula
True gap
(Tuition + mandatory fees + uniforms + tech + transport + required services) minus (TEFA award) equals (your annual out of pocket)
Example
If tuition is $25,000 and the award is about $10,474, the family pays about $14,526 before other costs.
Hidden costs
Uniforms, books, technology requirements, lunches, fees, field trips, and transport can be substantial.
Sustainability check
Tuition often rises annually. Ask for multiple years of historical increases and build a 3 year forecast. If you cannot sustain the gap, keep your public seat.
Tax and repayment caution
TEFA funds are typically intended to be tax free when used for approved expenses. Using funds for non approved items may require repayment and can create tax complications. Confirm current guidance in official program materials.
Build your budget (copy and fill)
Step 1: list costs
Tuition, fees, uniforms, tech, transport, meals, aftercare, tutoring, therapies.
Step 2: confirm what TEFA covers
Ask the provider to specify which items are billed through TEFA and which are billed directly to you.
Step 3: forecast 3 years
Use 3 to 5 percent annual increases unless the school provides a different historical pattern in writing.
Step 4: decide your guardrails
Decide your maximum monthly out of pocket and whether you can sustain it through key transitions (middle school and high school).
Risk and protections
Important limitations and risk factors
TEFA can be helpful, but it comes with real constraints. Use this section to protect your family from preventable surprises.
No guaranteed seat
Receiving an award does not guarantee admission. You must apply and be accepted by the school independently.
Funding gaps are common
Awards may not cover full tuition or additional fees. Confirm the true gap and billing schedule before you commit.
Tuition increases
Private tuition often rises each year. Ask for 2 to 3 years of tuition statements to forecast costs.
Consumer protection gaps
Some providers may claim approval incorrectly. Verify provider and vendor status through official TEFA systems.
Baseline recommendation
Use well rated public schools as a baseline benchmark. Consider charter and magnet options before committing to private tuition obligations.
Decision tool
Before you switch: Go or No Go checklist
Complete this readiness check before you give up your public school seat. If you answer “No” to any item, consider staying put while you gather more information.
The 3 year rule
Do not plan only for year 1. Tuition often rises annually. Ensure you can sustain this path for multiple years, not just the first payment.
| Category | Critical question | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Have you calculated the true gap: (Tuition + fees + uniforms + tech + transport) minus (award) equals (your cost)? | |
| Logistics | Is transportation solved? Can you manage daily drop offs and pickups reliably across the full year? | |
| Academics | Does the school offer the specific supports your child needs (dyslexia support, gifted services, AP pathway, interventions)? | |
| Rights | Do you understand that certain 504 and IEP protections may not carry into private schools and that federal rights can change under IDEA? | |
| Backup | Do you have a plan B if admission is denied, funding ends, or the placement is not a fit? Do you know re enrollment options? |
Common “Plan B” options
- Stay enrolled in public while you apply and compare offers
- Explore magnet or charter options for specialization
- Start with tutoring or targeted supports first, then reassess
- Confirm re enrollment rules and timelines in your district
Do not resign your seat prematurely
If your public school is a strong option, keep it until admission, funding, and support details are confirmed.
Eligibility and prioritization
Eligibility and priority tiers (the lottery)
TEFA is not always guaranteed if statewide demand exceeds funding. In those cases, priority tiers and a lottery process may be used. Confirm current tier rules in the official TEFA portal.
Common tier structure
Tier 1
Disability plus income under certain thresholds, often highest priority.
Tier 2
Lower income households under a defined percent of the federal poverty level.
Tier 3
Middle income households within defined bands.
Tier 4
Higher income households may be capped at a share of funds. In oversubscription scenarios, additional priority rules can apply.
Public school attendance factor
In some scenarios, priority is given to students transferring from public or charter schools, based on prior year attendance thresholds.
Income reference (example table)
Federal poverty level based thresholds can shift each year. Always confirm current numbers in official program materials.
| Household size | Tier 2 example limit | Tier 3 example limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $43,280 | $108,200 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $136,600 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $165,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $193,400 |
Do not self disqualify too early
Rules can be nuanced. If you are unsure, apply and let the portal determine eligibility, and verify with official program guidance.
Execution
Application timeline and acceptance process
TEFA is typically a two step process: apply for TEFA funding and apply to the school. Submit your TEFA application early to avoid last minute technical issues.
Typical timeline checkpoints
Apply
Application window is firm. Example window shown in the guide: Feb 4 to Mar 31.
Notification
Lottery results and notifications are typically released after the window closes.
Fund release 1
A portion of funds becomes available at the start of the school year.
Fund release 2
Additional funds are released later in the year.
Fund release 3
Remaining funds are released later, based on the schedule.
Two step acceptance process
Apply to TEFA and separately apply to your school. TEFA funding does not guarantee admission. Confirm the school is an approved provider, and ask the school how TEFA billing works.
Step by step application checklist
- Create your account in the official portal.
- Gather identity, residency, and income documents.
- If applicable, gather disability documentation required for priority or supplemental funding.
- Submit early during the window to avoid technical issues.
- Apply to the school at the same time and confirm admissions and fee details in writing.
- Verify provider approval status before making enrollment decisions.
Provider status
Confirm your target school is an approved provider before you count on TEFA funds for tuition. If a school is not yet approved, ask whether they are applying and what their timeline is.
Preparation
Documents you may need
Gather documents early so the application is smooth. Official requirements can change, so confirm in the portal.
Identity and eligibility
- Child social security number and birth certificate
- Parent Texas DPS ID
- Status documentation as required (citizen, national, or lawfully present immigrant)
Residency and income
- Residency proof within recent period (utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
- Income verification such as tax returns for tier verification
- Any additional portal requested documentation
Specialized documentation (if applicable)
If your child has an IEP and you are seeking Tier 1 priority or supplemental funding, gather the required public school documentation and confirm the portal requirements.
Students with disabilities
IDEA, 504, IEP, and what can change under TEFA
This is one of the most important sections for many families. Public schools have legal obligations to provide services under IDEA. Private schools may not be required to provide the same accommodations, modifications, or IEP supports.
Rights waiver
By accepting TEFA funds, certain federal rights under IDEA may change compared to public school enrollment. Confirm how this applies to your child’s situation.
Service variance
Private schools are not required by national law to provide the same level of accommodations or IEP supports as public districts.
Evaluation pathway
Families concerned about a potential disability may retain the right to request an evaluation from their local public school district.
504 plans
Students with 504 plans (such as ADHD or dyslexia accommodations) may lose federal rights to accommodations in private schools.
Ask schools directly, in writing
If your child has a 504 or IEP, ask which supports the school will implement and who provides them. Ask if support is included in tuition or billed separately.
Definitions (quick)
IDEA
A federal law governing special education services and protections in public schools.
IEP
An individualized education program describing special education services in public schools.
504 plan
A plan describing accommodations for certain disabilities, commonly used in public schools.
Decision helper
Is TEFA right for your family
Use this quick fit assessment. It does not replace careful review, but it helps you self identify the most likely path.
Profile A: consider TEFA
When this profile fits, TEFA can be a useful tool.
- Student needs a specialized environment (religious, Montessori style, other)
- Family has verified financial capacity to sustain tuition gaps and logistics
- School provides clear accountability measures and communicates growth
- Support needs are confirmed in writing and are realistic for the setting
Profile B: retain public enrollment
When this profile fits, staying public can be the safer, higher support path.
- Student relies on robust special education services or guaranteed accommodations
- Family requires district transportation
- Accountability and certified instruction are priorities
- The current school is strong or can be improved with supports
Alternative option: charter and magnet
Explore tuition free specialized public options before exiting the public system. These can offer program focus with public accountability.
Due diligence
Questions to ask private schools before enrolling
Private schools vary widely. Bring these questions to tours and ask for answers in writing. If a school cannot answer clearly, treat that as important information.
Accountability and testing
Crucial: ask how they measure success.
- Which specific test do you use (Iowa, MAP, Stanford 10)?
- Do you share results with parents and how often?
- Will I see a report showing my child’s growth versus national norms?
- What happens if my child falls behind?
- Is intervention included or is tutoring extra?
- Do you publish school wide data?
Teachers and instructional quality
Crucial: verify rigor and staffing stability.
- Are teachers state certified? If not, what credentials do they have?
- What is the teacher turnover rate?
- What curriculum do you use? Is it aligned with TEKS or independent?
- How do you handle mixed readiness levels in one classroom?
Hidden costs
Crucial: uncover fees outside tuition.
- What mandatory non tuition fees exist (tech, building fund, uniforms, trips)?
- What is your historical annual tuition increase rate?
- Is the TEFA award accepted as full payment or is the difference billed quarterly?
- What is the cost of aftercare, clubs, and required activities?
Student support (504 and IEP)
Crucial: rights and accommodations.
- My child has a 504 or IEP. Which parts will you implement? Be specific.
- Do you have a dedicated learning specialist?
- Is support delivered by specialists or left to classroom teachers?
- Can you counsel my child out? Under what conditions?
- What is your process for behavior support and interventions?
Ask for it in writing
For cost and support questions, request a written response or policy document. Written clarity reduces misunderstandings later.
Tools on our site
Use our website to find quality schools and quality preschools
TEFA decisions work best when families compare strong options. Our tools help you identify quality public schools, charter options, and quality preschools near you.
Search quality schools
Compare nearby public schools and charter options, see quality signals, and build a short list for tours.
Search quality preschools
Find licensed early childhood centers, review quality rating signals (when available), and use parent tour checklists.
Official links
Next steps and resources
Use official portals to confirm provider status, submit applications, and review current rules. Use data tools to compare public options before switching.
Immediate action steps
- Identify your top 3 options: current public school, 1 charter or magnet, 1 private option.
- Check public school outcomes for your baseline comparison.
- Tour and ask the full question list, then request written responses for costs and supports.
- Calculate the true gap and forecast 3 years.
- Apply through the official portal and apply to schools concurrently.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
These answers are practical guidance. Always confirm current rules and definitions through official TEFA communications and the application portal.
- That an award guarantees a school seat. It does not.
- That the award covers all costs. Hidden costs and fee schedules often create a large gap.
- That public school protections and services automatically carry into private placements. They often do not.
TEFA is a tool, not a requirement. Many families should compare options and decide only when the new environment is clearly better and sustainable. Keep your public seat until admission and support details are confirmed.
Pre K funding can be restricted. Start by confirming age, residency, and whether the provider is licensed and approved. Then confirm whether your family meets the qualifying pathway required for funded Pre K support.
Start with a support audit: list the services and accommodations your child currently receives, then ask the prospective school which of those they will implement and who provides them. Request written confirmation and ask whether supports are included in tuition or billed separately.
Often yes, because they can provide specialized environments with no tuition while maintaining public accountability systems. Use public outcomes as your baseline and compare fit, commute, and supports.
Treat this as uncertain until verified. Ask for their expected approval timeline, how billing will work if approval is delayed, and what your options are if approval does not happen. Always verify approval status through official TEFA systems before relying on funds.
- Pick 3 options: current public, one charter or magnet, one private.
- Check outcomes for the public options first.
- Tour and ask the four quadrant questions.
- Calculate the true gap and forecast 3 years.
- Decide based on support, sustainability, and accountability.
Last updated: February 2026. Always confirm current details through official TEFA communications and the application portal.