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TEFA is a groundbreaking program passed by Texas lawmakers to expand educational choice. It allocates public education funds into accounts for families, giving parents the power to direct those dollars to approved schools and services. Here’s the overview of how TEFA works and what it can cover:

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Substantial Tuition Assistance: Each eligible child may receive roughly $10,000 per year through TEFA. These funds can directly pay for private preschool tuition at LSA, greatly reducing or even eliminating your family’s out-of-pocket costs for early education.

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Books, Supplies & More: TEFA isn’t just for tuition. You can also use the funds to buy curriculum materials, books, and supplies your child might need for an enriching preschool experience. Your child will have all the tools they need to learn and grow, with the state helping foot the bill.

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Special Services: If your little one requires tutoring or therapeutic services as part of their learning journey, TEFA funds are designed to cover those as well. It’s truly a comprehensive education support program.

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Who is eligible?  Almost all Texas-resident children who will be attending school (public or private) qualify to apply. Whether your child is entering pre-K, TEFA can help (for our purposes, we’re focusing on Pre-K only). The key is to apply during the open window.. Applications are being accepted until March 17, 2026, for the upcoming school year. This isn’t a rolling admission; after the deadline, you’ll have to wait for the next cycle, so it’s crucial to get started soon.

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Pre-K Eligibility

A participating child between the ages of 3-5 is eligible for enrollment in a pre-k or kindergarten program under this section if the child is at least three years of age and:

1. is unable to speak and comprehend the English language;

2. is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program;

3. is homeless, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child;

4. is the child of an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority;

5. is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty;

6. is, or ever has been, in:

   • the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or

   • foster care in another state or territory, if the child resides in this state;

7. is the child of a person who has received the Star of Texas Award as:

   • a peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code;

   • a firefighter under Section 3106.003, Government Code; or

   • an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code; or

8. is the child of a person employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a pre-k or kindergarten class under this section.

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Learn more and apply today at State Website --> EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov.