Families across North Texas—whether in Denton, Collin, Dallas, or Tarrant counties—will soon have access to a major new educational option: the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA).
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, parents will be able to apply for state-funded education dollars to use toward private school tuition, homeschooling curriculum, tutoring, online learning, therapies, and other approved education expenses.
This guide breaks down:
- How TEFA works
- Who qualifies in North Texas
- How much funding families can receive
- How and when to apply
- How this affects homebuyers across DFW
What Is TEFA?
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program deposits state funds into a parent-controlled education account that can be used for approved K–12 expenses outside the traditional public school system.
- Private school tuition & fees
- Homeschool curriculum & materials
- Online or hybrid learning
- Tutoring & supplemental instruction
- Special needs services
Administered By: The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Who Can Apply?
Most Texas K–12 students are eligible, including those in:
- Public school
- Private school
- Homeschool
- First-time kindergarten enrollment
Priority Order for Funding
- Students with disabilities
- Low-income families
- Students transitioning out of public school
- All remaining applicants (based on available funds)
How Much Funding Do Families Receive?
| Student Type | Approx. Annual Funding |
|---|---|
| Private school student | ~$10,000+ |
| Homeschooled student | ~$2,000 |
| Students with disabilities (case-based) | Up to ~$30,000+ |
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications will open in early 2026. Here’s how to prepare now:
- Gather required documents:
- Proof of Texas residency
- Birth certificate or student ID
- Proof of income (if applying under priority tiers)
- IEP or disability documentation (if applicable)
- Watch for the application portal to open (Spring 2026):
Apply Here (Official Portal) - Complete an application for each student
- If accepted: Funds are deposited into your TEFA account and must be used for approved expenses only.
Official TEFA Links
What This Means for North Texas Home Buyers
School districts still matter—North Texas has highly ranked districts including those in:
- Denton County (Lewisville ISD, Denton ISD)
- Collin County (Frisco, Prosper, Allen, McKinney)
- Dallas County (Highland Park, Coppell, Richardson, Dallas ISD magnet programs)
- Tarrant County (Southlake/Carroll, Keller, Fort Worth, Grapevine-Colleyville)
However, TEFA may give families more flexibility to choose schools based on lifestyle, values, and program fit—not just zip code assignment.
Need Help Choosing a Home With School Options in Mind?
Whether you're staying in public schools, considering private schools, or planning a hybrid approach, I can help you choose a home that supports your family's goals.
📲 Contact Logan Walter
Top 1% DFW Realtor — North Texas
