TX Education Savings Account (ESA): TEFA
Texas Education Savings Accounts (TEFA)
Helping families understand the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) program and how it works at Redeemer School.
The Texas Education Savings Account (ESA), now called Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), provides eligible families with state-funded accounts that may be used toward approved educational expenses, including private school tuition.
Redeemer School is an approved participating school in the Texas ESA program, TEFA 2026-27 School Year.
What Is the TEFA Program?
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program allows eligible families to use state-funded accounts for approved educational expenses.
Funds may be used for:
• Private school tuition
• Required school fees
• Approved tutoring services
• Educational therapies
Applications and eligibility determinations are handled by the State of Texas, not by Redeemer School.
For complete program details, visit the official Texas Comptroller website. Texas Comptroller ESA Overview
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined by the State of Texas.
Priority categories may include:
• Students currently enrolled in public school
• Students with disabilities
• Families meeting income criteria
• Siblings of eligible students
For full eligibility requirements and documentation details, please visit Texas Comptroller's website, https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/
TEFA Parent Application Guide - PDF
TEFA Parent Application Checklist - PDF
Important Dates
2026-27 Application Window:
• Applications Open: February 4, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 17, 2026
• Award Notifications: Early April
Families apply directly through the official state portal for TEFA: Odyssey ESA Application Portal
How TEFA Funding and School Admission Work Together
The TEFA program provides funding — not school placement.
Being approved for TEFA does not automatically enroll a student in a private school.
Families should think of this as two separate processes happening at the same time:
-
Apply for ESA funding through the State of Texas.
-
Apply for admission to the private school(s) you are considering.
These two processes run in parallel.
Once the State determines eligibility and awards ESA funds, families may choose to direct those funds to any approved participating school where their student has been accepted.
In simple terms:
- TEFA/ESA approval gives you funding eligibility.
- School acceptance gives you placement.
- Both are required.
We encourage families to begin both applications early so timelines align smoothly.
Redeemer School Tuition Assistance and TEFA
Redeemer School participates in the TEFA program.
For families seeking school-based tuition assistance, Redeemer School requires that TEFA eligibility be pursued prior to applying for financial aid.
Learn more about Redeemer’s Tuition Assistance process.
Questions?
We know many Redeemer families — and families in our Austin community — have important school decisions to make. Redeemer will continue sharing updates from reliable sources such as the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) and the Office of the Texas Comptroller as more information becomes available.
Texas Comptroller ESA/TEFA Updates
Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA): School Choice Updates
If you have questions about Redeemer School or Preschool in relation to TEFA, please contact our team at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redeemer an approved TEFA Educational Savings Account (ESA) school?
Yes.
How much financial support could my family receive?
Current information suggests around $10,300 per student annually. The final amount will be determined by the state.
When will funds be available?
TEFA application is open Feb 4-Mar 17, 2026. This is not a first-come, first-served program. You can apply any time during the application window without affecting your child's chances of receiving funding. Families should expect to be notified early April if they will be receiving TEFA funds for 2026-27 school year.