TX · State program guide
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) and Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) serve different educational settings. TEFA supports approved nonpublic education; PDSES is supplemental support for eligible public-school students receiving special education. Their awards and provider rules are not interchangeable.
Different programs. Different rules.
2 programs & pathways
Ongoing programs, not open application windows. Compare each option before planning your education budget.
Meet the administratorsAn administrator manages a program; it is not another scholarship. Use your program's administrator for application and payment guidance.
TEFA program administrator
The Comptroller administers TEFA. The official TEFA website links families to the Odyssey parent portal, customer support and participating-provider finder.
Official administrator source / Checked 2026-09-06
PDSES program information and family support
TEA's PDSES page directs families to SPEDTex for program guidance and the PDSES parent portal. PDSES is separate from the Comptroller's TEFA program.
Official administrator source / Checked 2026-09-06
Each program has its own application, eligibility and spending rules. An ongoing program does not mean applications are open or that funding is guaranteed. Awards are not automatically combined.
Texas accounts help eligible families pay participating providers for qualified education expenses.
The first application cycle has closed. The official site offers a 2027-28 interest list; participation and funding are not guaranteed.
TEFA serves approved students educated outside the public-school system, including participating private schools and homeschooling. Residency, student eligibility and application priority rules apply.
For 2026-27: $10,474 for awarded participating private-school students; qualifying private-school students with a disability may receive up to $30,000. Awarded homeschool and other eligible students receive $2,000. This is annual TEFA funding, not the PDSES grant.
PDSES provides a one-time online grant for eligible Texas public-school students receiving special education.
For eligible students enrolled in a Texas public school who receive special education services. It supplements public-school services, unlike TEFA's nonpublic education accounts.
A one-time $1,500 grant, not an annual award. Eligible families purchase approved educational goods and services through the program's online account.
Descriptions are summaries of official sources, not verbatim quotations or individual eligibility decisions.
This reference applies to Texas Education Freedom Accounts, not every program in Texas. Other programs have separate awards and rules.
2026-2027 school year
For 2026-2027, awarded students at participating private schools receive $10,474. Students with a qualifying IEP may receive up to $30,000 depending on the special-education funding formula. Awarded homeschool and other eligible students receive $2,000 annually. Applications closed March 31, 2026.
Funding checked September 6, 2026
Check eligibility, application dates, and award conditions before making your plans.
Browse providers and compare their curriculum, services, and learning options.
Ask the program and the business whether your selected expense and payment method qualify for your scholarship.
Follow the program's documentation and renewal requirements, and keep receipts for approved expenses.
Providers associated with Texas program lists. A state listing does not establish approval for every program. Confirm the exact program, administrator, purchase and payment method with the business.