ESA Requirements for Texas Education Freedom Accounts
Texas Education Freedom Accounts for Homeschool
The new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program is an Education Savings Account (ESA) that gives families greater control over how their child learns. Through TEFA, eligible parents can use state-provided funds for approved educational expenses, including Sonlight’s award-winning, literature-based Christian homeschool curriculum.
If you’re homeschooling in Texas, the Texas ESA can make it more affordable than ever to create a personalized, faith-filled education at home.
Does Texas have an ESA program?
Yes. Texas has officially established the Texas Education Freedom Accounts, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. This statewide ESA program allows families to receive a portion of state education funds in a parent-directed account that can be used for approved educational expenses including curriculum, tutoring, private school tuition, and more.
TEFA gives Texas parents the ability to direct where their child’s education dollars go, empowering families to choose learning resources that reflect their values, goals, and beliefs.
*Source: hslda.org; see website for complete details.
Who is eligible for Texas' Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) ?
TEFA eligibility is determined by family income level and Texas residency status:
- Texas residency: The student and parent/legal guardian must reside in the state.
- Eligible age and grade: Students must be eligible to attend public school in Texas.
- Citizenship status: Students must be U.S. citizens or lawful residents.
- Enrollment status: Students may not be enrolled full-time in a Texas public or charter school while receiving ESA funds.
If demand for Texas educational savings accounts exceeds available funding, the state will prioritize:
- Students with disabilities
- Low- and middle-income families
- Returning ESA students
- Siblings of participating students
What is the deadline to apply for Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
The first TEFA application window is expected to run February 4 – March 20, 2026. Families will be notified of acceptance by May 1, and approved funds become available beginning July 1 for the upcoming school year. Future application cycles will likely follow a similar schedule.
Sonlight is an Approved Texas Education Vendor
Sonlight is honored to work with the Texas’ Education Freedom Account scholarship program to bring Arkansas homeschooling families the chance to use state funding for our homeschool our award-winning curriculum. Learning with Sonlight through the ESA program means your family will enjoy cost savings and:
- Growing in Faith, Growing Together
With a Christ-centered approach, learning isn’t just about subjects. It’s also about nurturing your child’s heart and strengthening the bond you share as a family. - Learning Plans That Fit Your Life
Sonlight provides thoughtfully prepared lesson plans so you don’t have to start from scratch. Whether your family thrives on a 4-day or 5-day schedule, you’ll find a rhythm that works perfectly for you. - Challenging and Joyful
We believe learning should spark joy as well as growth. Your child will be stretched academically, while still enjoying learning all along the way. - Stories That Inspire
Instead of dry textbooks, your learner will experience rich, living books—stories that make history, science, and life lessons come alive in a way they’ll never forget.
What can Texas ESA funds be used for?
Texas ESA funds cover approved educational expenses including:
- Curriculum and instructional materials (including Sonlight)
- Private school tuition
- Tutoring or academic coaching
- Online learning programs
- Educational therapies (speech, occupational therapy, etc.)
- Testing fees and assessments
- Textbooks and school supplies
- Educational technology
- Hybrid learning or micro-school fees (if approved)
TEFA allows families to tailor their child’s education around their strengths, interests, and needs—using whichever combination of resources makes learning meaningful and effective.
Get a FREE Sonlight Catalog
Get our free catalog and see for yourself how Sonlight's literature-based, faith-filled curriculum gives you everything you need to succeed!
Faith-Based Homeschooling With TEFA Funds
Through TEFA, families can invest in a homeschooling experience that reflects their Christian values. Sonlight’s literature-rich, Bible-integrated curriculum makes it easy to create a meaningful and academically strong home education.
Using state ESA funds with Sonlight helps families give their children a robust, faith-aligned education without additional financial strain or burden.
Why Sonlight Is a Top Choice for Texas ESA Families
For more than 35 years, Sonlight has supported homeschool families across the country with a curriculum built on:
1 Open-and-go lesson plans that make homeschooling simple
2 Living books that spark curiosity and deep understanding
3A biblical worldview integrated throughout every subject
4 Personalized support from experienced homeschool mentors
5A welcoming online community and exclusive appStrong academic preparation rooted in Christian principles
Whether you’re transitioning from public school, beginning homeschooling for the first time, or looking for a more structured curriculum, Sonlight is here to support you, and your family, every step of the way.
FAQs
What are the program details for Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts function similarly to ESA programs in other states:
- Funds are deposited into a parent-managed ESA.
- Parents can use the funds on approved educational resources, including curriculum, private school tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other expenses.
- The program is run through the Texas Comptroller’s Office with the support of an approved Educational Assistance Organization (EAO).
- Once enrolled, families remain eligible each year as long as they continue to meet program requirements.
TEFA is designed to support a wide range of educational pathways, including homeschooling, allowing Texas families to craft a learning experience that best fits their child’s needs.
What are the funding details for a Texas Education Savings Account?
TEFA funding varies based on educational setting and student needs. For example, eligible private school or approved non-public school students may receive approximately $10,500–$10,800 per year while learners with an IEP may receive up to $30,000 annually, depending on services required.
Homeschool & Non-Accredited School Students
Families who homeschool or use a micro-school, pod, hybrid program, or other non-accredited option may receive up to $2,000 per student per year as part of the TESA program.
Sonlight is an approved vendor with the state of Texas so your ESA funds can be used to purchase our award-winning homeschool curriculum, books and learning resources.
How do you apply for Texas Education Savings Accounts?
Applications are completed through an online portal managed by the state of Texas. Families seeking funds are required to:
- Verify Texas residency
- Provide basic student information
- Confirm eligibility
- Agree to program requirements
- Select educational providers or indicate homeschool participation
Once approved, funds are deposited directly into the family’s ESA account. Parents can then use the program’s online system to pay approved vendors for learning resources.
Are Texas school vouchers the same as education freedom accounts?
Not exactly. While some may refer to TEFA as a “voucher,” the program is officially an Education Savings Account. Vouchers send funds directly to a school. ESAs allow parents to direct funds to multiple educational resources and not just tuition.
Because Texas homeschoolers can use TEFA for curriculum, tutoring, therapies, assessments, and more, TEFA provides far more flexibility than a traditional school voucher program.