Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Overview
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2 and provided $1 billion in funding to create the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program and give parents greater freedom and flexibility in choosing the best educational environment for their children. These funds allow eligible parents to direct state-managed funds toward approved education expenses, including tuition at qualifying private schools like St .James Episcopal School.
Through the TEFA program, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, families are expected to receive approximately $10,800 per student per year. These funds can be applied to a wide range of state-approved education costs, such as:
- Tuition and required fees at eligible private schools
- Uniforms, books, and curriculum
- Technology, devices, and approved educational software
- Tutoring, educational therapies, and assessments
- Transportation and other special services connected to schooling
Funds are held in a state-managed account and disbursed in increments throughout the school year. Funds remaining at the end of the school year will roll over as long as the student remains in the TEFA program.
TEFA is a statewide program administered by the Texas Comptroller. Details may change as state rules are finalized. Always refer to the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website for the most current information.
Who's Eligible for TEFA?
Eligibility for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is defined by state law and administered by the Texas Comptroller. In general, to qualify for TEFA:
St. James does not decide who receives TEFA funds; all funding and eligibility decisions are made by the State of Texas.
- The student must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a resident of Texas
- The student must be eligible to attend a Texas public school (including district, charter, or applicable pre-K)
If accepted into the program, the child will remain eligible to participate until the child graduates from high school, is no longer eligible to attend a Texas public school, charter school, or pre-K or kindergarten program, enrolls in a Texas public or charter school, or moves out of the state of Texas.
Families enrolled at St. James are responsible for full tuition and fees and outlined in their annual enrollment contract. TEFA funds can be used to help offset the costs of your child's education at St. James, however, the family is responsible for any difference in funding.
Application and Funding Timeline
Parents can begin submitting applications for the TEFA beginning on February 4, 2026. First awards will be available to participating children for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
