Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Christ-Centered Education. Now More Accessible Than Ever.
Welcome!
At Southwest Christian School, we provide a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders in the world.
We are excited to accept Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) funds, expanding access to an education that is academically excellent and distinctively Christian.
As families explore education options in Texas, we know there can be confusion around TEFA and Odyssey. While they work together, they serve different roles in the process. Here’s a simple explanation.
TEFA (Texas Education Freedom Account) is a state-funded program that allows eligible families to use public education funds toward approved educational expenses, including private school tuition.
Odyssey is the program administrator selected by the State of Texas to manage the day-to-day operations of TEFA. This includes processing TEFA applications, reviewing eligibility documents, managing family accounts, and distributing TEFA funds to approved schools and services).
Odyssey does not:
Decide school admissions
Set school tuition or policies
Provide educational services
We’re Here to Help
While TEFA funding decisions are made by the state and managed through Odyssey, our Admissions team is happy to:
Help you understand the overall process
Explain how TEFA may fit with tuition and financial aid
Answer general questions as you explore options for your family
If you’re considering Southwest Christian School and TEFA, we invite you to connect with us—we would love to walk alongside you.
Application Timeline provided by TEFA (as of Jan 6)
Feb 4, 2026: Application window opens
March 20, 2026: application window closes
May 1, 2026: Families will be notified of award or waitlist status
July 1, 2026: Approved funds deposited into digital accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
The application process is slated to open on February 4, 2026.
The Texas Education Freedom Act, passed under Senate Bill 2, creates a new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program that allows eligible families to access public funds for private educational expenses starting in the 2026–27 school year. It allows eligible families to access public funds through a Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA), $10,474 per student annually, to use toward private school tuition and other educational expenses. It’s designed to make private education more accessible, especially for low- to moderate-income families and those with special learning needs.
SCS is an accredited private school and meets the state’s eligibility standards. While not required, our school has decided to accept TEFA Funds, as we monitor the state’s guidelines and practices. We will continue, provided we can participate without compromising our Christ-centered mission, curriculum, and autonomy.
The TEFA program will launch for the 2026-2027 school year.
Feb 4, 2026: Application window opens
March 20, 2026: application window closes
May 1, 2026: Families will be notified of award or waitlist status
July 1, 2026: Approved funds deposited into digital accounts
For additional details and updates please visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts TEFA Program website.
A student must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident eligible to attend a Texas public school. If applications exceed available funding, a lottery will decide placement.
Applicants are prioritized as follows:
Students with a disability (defined by the TX Educ. Code Sec. 29.003) whose family income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
Children whose family income is at or below 200% of FPG
Children whose family income is between 200% and 500% of FPG.
All other students may qualify if funds remain, with no more than 20% of spots reserved for this group, and priority given to those switching from public schools.
Siblings of children already in the program (after the first round of selections)
To further understand these qualifications, we encourage families to read Texas Private Schools Association’s TEFA resource page.
Eligible expenses include:
Private school tuition
Textbooks and curriculum materials
Academic testing and tutoring
Transportation
Educational software and computers
Therapies and diagnostic services
Meals during the school day
No. TEFA funds are not meant to change tuition rates. The funds would be used to:
Enhance financial aid
Strengthen academic programs
Make SCS more accessible to families committed to our Christ-centered mission
No. Our commitment is unwavering: we will not accept any funding that compromises our faith, admissions standards, or educational curriculum. We will participate only as long as the law continues to uphold religious freedom and school autonomy. SCS is an active member of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA), which has worked to ensure that religious protections are included in state law.
At this time, Southwest Christian School does not allow TEFA funds to be combined with school-awarded tuition assistance for the same tuition expenses. TEFA and school financial aid are applied separately. Families may still utilize flexible payment options and are encouraged to contact our Finance Office with questions.
Funds will be available beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Families should start preparing now by:
● Learning about the program.
● Gathering any documents you may need (proof of citizenship and residency, income, Individualized Education Program (IEP) / private psychological evaluation, etc.)
● Talking with us at SCS about how a TEFA could help you. Call our office (817-294-9596) or email our admissions team at admissions@southwestchristian.org to schedule a tour and see if SCS is the right fit for your family!