School Choice (TEFA / ESA)

Understanding School Choice

TEFA / ESA Program Updates

Learn how Texas’ new School Choice initiative — the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, also known as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) — may benefit Redeemer families and those exploring private Christian education in Austin.

Redeemer is committed to sharing accurate, up-to-date information from trusted sources, including the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) and the Office of the Texas Comptroller, which oversees education-related funding programs in our state.

What Is the ESA Program?

The Texas ESA program, Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), is designed to provide eligible families with state-funded support for private school tuition and other approved educational expenses. Current information suggests families could receive approximately $10,000 per student each year.

For most families considering the program and attending a private Christian school in Austin like Redeemer School, you might plan on estimating around $10,000 annually of funding via TEFA/ESA — with the understanding that it may be slightly higher or lower once final rules are set.

For families whose child has documented special-education needs and meets the school district eligibility for services, you might expect a higher award (potentially up to the $30,000 ceiling), but that will depend on the evaluative criteria and what public-school special-education allotment would normally be.

What This Means for Families

• ESA/TEFA may help more families consider private school education.

• ESA/TEFA funds are expected to apply to Kindergarten–12th grade only (not preschool).

• Redeemer is preparing to participate, but final approval is not yet determined.

• We will share updates with families as soon as information is available.

Who can apply for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) / Education Savings Account (ESA) Program?

As of today, here’s an overview of eligibility and funding tiers (pending final state rule-making):

• All Texas K–12 students are eligible to apply if they are U.S. citizens or lawful residents and qualify to attend a Texas public school.

• Pre-K students who meet district eligibility guidelines may also apply.

• If more families apply than funds allow, applications will be prioritized in this order:
  1️⃣ Students with disabilities whose household income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  2️⃣ Students from households with income at or below 200% FPL
  3️⃣ Students from households with income between 200% and 500% FPL
  4️⃣ Students from households above 500% FPL (limited to 20% of total program funding)

• The program will be administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, with the first full year expected to launch in the 2026-27 school year.

• Estimated award amounts:

  • Around $10,000 per year for most private-school students

  • Up to $30,000 per year for students with disabilities

  • Around $2,000 per year for homeschool families

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