TEFA TIMELINE
The rollout of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program is underway—and GCA is here to help families prepare every step of the way. Here’s what the timeline looks like:
*Parent Application: The application window opens on February 4, 2026 and closes on March 17, 2026.
*Notification of Funding Status: Funding notifications will be sent to parents beginning in early April 2026.
* Private School Confirmation: For private school students, parents will indicate the school where their student is enrolled. Private schools will confirm enrollment.
* Initial Funding: July 1, 2026 – At least 25 percent of approved funding will be available in participant accounts.
*Additional Funding: October 1, 2026 – At least 50 percent of approved funding will be available in participant accounts. April 1, 2027 – Remaining funding will be available in participant accounts.
TEFA FUNDING AMOUNTS
State law sets the amount of the transfer at 85 percent of the statewide average amount of state and local funding per student in Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has determined the amount for the 2026-27 school year is $10,474 per child if the student attends an approved private school.
Students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP) on file with their school district May receive more — up to $30,000 per year. Homeschooled students may receive up to $2,000 per year.
TEFA Qualifying Expenses
Approved education-related expenses include:
Educational Services/Materials
* Tuition and fees at a private school, higher education provider, online educational course or program, or program that provides training for an industry-based credential approved by the Texas Education Agency.
* Textbooks or other instructional materials.
* Required uniforms.
* Fees for classes provided by school districts that do not qualify the child to be included in school’s average daily attendance.
Other Approved Expenses
* Academic assessment costs.
* Private tutoring.
* Transportation to/from approved providers.
* Educational therapies are not covered by any federal, state, or local government benefits (i.e, Medicaid).
* Computer hardware or software (must not exceed 10 percent of the total amount transferred to the child’s account that year).
* Meals provided by private school.