This article is intended to provide Texas families with important information about Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) application deadlines, enrollment timelines, funding schedules, and installment dates.
Quick Links
- Application Timeline
- School Selection Update
- Funding Installments
- Private School Students
- Homeschool/Other Students
- Funding Proration for Waitlisted Students
Application Timeline
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2026 | Applications open at 9:00 a.m. CT |
| March 31, 2026 | Applications close at 11:59 p.m. CT |
Important
- The March 31 application deadline determines your funding amount.
- Parents must indicate their child's learning setting (private school, homeschool, or other approved option) by this date.
- Families with a qualifying IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency may be eligible for additional funding of up to $30,000.
School Selection Update
As funding amounts are finalized ahead of award notifications, please note the following:
Private School to Homeschool
- Families who selected a private school may still update their choice to homeschool.
Homeschool/Other
- Homeschool/Other selections are final and cannot be modified.
- Funding allocations have been established based on this selection.
- As stated in the original application, Homeschool/Other selections become final once submitted.
Funding Installments
Under Texas law, students receive TEFA funding in installments.
The earliest students can receive their first installment is July 1.
Private School Students
For students attending a participating private school:
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| June 15 | Students whose schools confirm their enrollment by June 15 will receive funding July 1. |
| July 1 | First installment (25% of the student's award amount) becomes available. |
| July 31 | Students whose schools confirm their enrollment by July 31 will receive funding by mid-August. |
| Mid-August | First installment funding becomes available for students confirmed by July 31. |
| October 1 | Second installment (25% of the student's total award amount) becomes available. |
| February 1 | Final installment (remaining 50% of the student's total award amount) becomes available. |
Students must remain enrolled in a participating private school to receive future installments.
Students who are awarded from the waitlist at a later date will receive funding as soon as practicable.
Homeschool/Other Students
For students who selected Homeschool/Other:
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| June 15 | Students must opt in to receive funding on July 1. |
| July 1 | Full $2,000 award becomes available in a single installment. |
| July 31 | Final deadline to opt in for mid-August funding. |
| Mid-August | Funding becomes available for students who opted in by July 31. |
Students awarded from the waitlist at a later date will receive funding as soon as practicable.
Students who are found to be enrolled in a public or charter school during the school year will be removed from the program.
Funding Proration for Students Awarded from the Waitlist
Students who are awarded from the waitlist and join the program after July 15 may have their funding prorated depending on when enrollment is confirmed.
To receive the full award amount, students must do the following by September 15:
- Confirm enrollment in a participating private school, or
- Confirm they have opted in as a Homeschool/Other student
| Funding Round | Confirmation Date | Funding Date | Funding Proration After Confirmation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial 25% Funding (First Deadline) | June 15 | July 1 | N/A |
| Initial 25% Funding (Second Deadline) | July 31 | Mid-August | 100% |
| Second 25% Funding | September 15 | October 1 | 75% |
| Final 50% Funding | January 15 | February 1 | 50% |
Important Reminder
Funding timelines are subject to change based on guidance from the Texas Comptroller's Office.
Students must continue to meet all program requirements to remain eligible for future funding installments.