Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Texas has launched an exciting new education choice opportunity for families statewide: Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), officially called Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs). This program gives parents greater flexibility and control over how public education funds are spent on their child’s education.
The importance of providing a high quality education is a priority in Texas. With that in mind, Texas now offers Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs). This program empowers families to direct public education funds toward the learning path that best fits their child including private school tuition, therapies, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and more. These funds can also be used for a Holston Academy enrollment. For more information, fill out our form and someone will be in touch!
Complete our form to speak with someone about using your ESA funds to enroll in Holston Academy.
What are Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a state-provided funding account that eligible Texas families can use to pay for qualified educational expenses and services outside the traditional public school setting. Instead of state money being restricted to public schools, ESA funds follow the student so that families can customize their child’s education to match their needs. In Texas, this program begins with the 2026–27 school year, and applications opened early February 2026.
Who is Eligible?
ESAs are broadly available to families of students in Pre-K through 12th grade who are:
- U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents,
- Residents of Texas, and
- Eligible to attend a Texas public school (including public Pre-K).
The program is universal, meaning students in public school, private school, or homeschool settings all can apply.
Priority may be used if demand exceeds available funds:
- Students with an IEP or disability
- Students from lower-income households
How Much Funding Can Families Receive?
The Texas ESA program allocates funds based on a student’s educational setting and needs:
- Most students attending a private school may receive 85% of average public school funding, projected at roughly $10,474 per year for 2026–27.
- Students with a disability and an IEP may qualify for up to $30,000 per year to help cover additional educational needs.
- Homeschool students may receive up to $2,000 per year for approved homeschool curriculum and materials.
Funds are deposited into an ESA and can be spent on approved education costs throughout the year.
What Can ESA Funds Be Used For?
ESA funds are flexible and can be spent on a wide range of approved educational expenses, including but not limited to:
- Private school tuition and fees
- Textbooks and instructional materials
- Tutoring and supplemental instruction
- Therapies and specialized services
- Educational technology (hardware/software)
- Transportation and standardized testing fees
- Online learning programs and dual-enrollment costs
Homeschool families can use funds for curriculum, books, materials, and part-time private or online education options within the approved expense guidelines.
How Do Families Apply?
Applications for Texas ESAs are submitted online through the Texas Comptroller’s ESA portal. ESA applications opened in early February 2026 for the 2026–27 school year. Families are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and a lottery or prioritization system may be used if demand exceeds available funding.
ESA funds start being accessible for use at the beginning of the school year once approved.
How Holston Academy Can Help Texas Families
Holston Academy is proud to be an approved ESA-participating private school in the state of Texas. Families accepted into the Texas ESA program may use their ESA funds to help cover tuition and other eligible educational costs at Holston.
What This Means for Your Family
By using your ESA with Holston Academy, you can:
- Customize your child’s learning environment to fit their strengths and needs
- Receive structured support from experienced educators
- Access curriculum and services tailored to diverse learners
- Use ESA funds beyond tuition for eligible educational services, supports, and materials
Our admissions team is here to help you understand eligibility, ESA guidelines, and how to maximize your family’s ESA benefits at Holston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Families accepted into the ESA program generally remain eligible year-to-year without reapplying, unless circumstances change.
ESA funds can be used toward tuition at approved private schools like Holston but may not cover every cost. Any remaining balance outside of ESA funds is the family’s responsibility.
Yes. ESA funds are structured to be flexible for supplemental services that support your child’s learning, as long as those services are approved.
Ready to take the next step?
Holston Academy is here to help Texas families navigate the ESA program and explore high-quality, personalized educational options. Contact our Admissions Team to learn more about how Holston can be part of your child’s educational journey.