Texas Education Freedom Accounts: parent guide
TEFA families apply through Texas's Education Freedom Accounts process, then choose an eligible education arrangement. TEFA is not the same benefit as the one-time PDSES grant for public-school students.
By ParentSurf / Sources reviewed
About this guide
An independent guide to Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), not an official application or an eligibility decision. Rules, application windows and available funds can change. Confirm your circumstances with the program before changing enrollment or committing money.
Before you start
Check the family and education pathway
Review Texas residency, student eligibility and priority-documentation requirements on the official family page. Private-school and other education arrangements have different award and participation conditions.
Your next steps
Check the application cycle
The 2026-27 application window has closed. Use the family page for existing-application instructions or future-cycle announcements; an interest list for 2027-28 is not a scholarship application.
Prepare the records for your situation
Follow the current checklist for household and student records, including any disability or income evidence requested for priority. Keep the confirmation and respond to requests in the official application system.
Confirm the award and eligible provider
Use the official finder and school guidance to check the intended provider. Arrange school admission separately and review the award's spending and continuation requirements before committing funds.
Preparation checklist
Use this to get organized. The current official application or handbook controls the full requirements.
- Current TEFA family instructions for the correct school year
- Student, residency and applicable priority documentation
- Award decision and education-provider or school confirmation
Submit identity, financial, student and medical records only through the verified official process. Do not upload application documents to ParentSurf or include them in a public review.
Important distinctions
- A future-year interest form does not secure a TEFA award.
- A provider's PDSES participation does not by itself confirm that your TEFA purchase is approved.
Official resources & further reading
State agencies and their program administrators are the source of application requirements. Older editions are labeled; check the program site for newer guidance.
- TEFA family eligibility and application information
Texas Comptroller
- TEFA providers and vendors
Texas Comptroller
- TEFA participating schools
Texas Comptroller
- TEFA education provider finder
Texas Comptroller