TEFA FAQ

Yes — TEFA funds can be used for accredited online private education, including Tenney School Live, as long as the program appears on the Texas Comptroller’s approved vendor list (published when applications open in 2026). Families choosing Tenney School Live may use TEFA funds for: Full-time online school enrollment Individual online courses Accredited credit recovery [...]

Both 504 Plans and IEPs can support a student’s TEFA application, but they play different roles: 504 Plan Helps determine eligibility priority (Priority Group 1 if also low-income) Signals that the student has documented needs Does NOT determine funding amounts IEP (Individualized Education Program) Also helps with priority grouping Required to qualify for the higher [...]

No — your child does not need an IEP to qualify for TEFA funding at the basic level.Any Texas student who meets general eligibility can apply once the program opens. However, students with special needs may qualify for higher funding amounts, and those amounts are tied to having: A completed IEP from a public school [...]

TEFA funds may be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses, including: Private school tuition (on-campus or online). For families exploring online instruction, here is the guide to TEFA for online students. Curriculum materials and textbooks Educational therapies Tutoring and academic support Certain technology expenses Approved instructional programs Testing or evaluations required for [...]

Most families will receive an annual base amount of approximately $10,000–$11,000 per student. Students with documented special needs may receive significantly higher funding, up to approximately $30,000, depending on: Completion of a public school IEP The child’s PEIMS disability code The level of instructional services recommended in the IEP Final TEFA funding tables will be [...]

TEFA is designed to expand education options for Texas families, with funding awarded based on priority groups established by the Texas Comptroller. Priority Group 1 Students who are low-income (eligible for free/reduced lunch)and Have documented special needs (IEP, 504, FIIE, or licensed diagnosis) Priority Group 2 Students who are low-income, regardless of disability status Priority [...]

Families will apply through the Odyssey vendor portal once it opens. Parents will create an account, verify eligibility, and select a participating private school. We’ll share a direct link to the portal here as soon as it becomes available.

The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program is a state-funded initiative that gives families education dollars they can use for private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, therapies, and other approved educational expenses. TEFA was created in 2025 and is being implemented by the Texas Comptroller, with Odyssey Education operating the application portal. Expected Timeline: Final [...]