As Texas families begin navigating the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, many parents have questions about eligibility, approved expenses, homeschooling requirements, IEP funding, and how the program works day to day.
Below are answers to some of the most common TEFA questions families are asking as they explore the program.
About the Approval Process
I received my TEFA approval notification. What should I do next?
After receiving approval, families can log into their Odyssey account to confirm student information, review award details, and begin planning educational purchases before funds become available.
Families may also want to begin researching approved providers, curriculum options, tutoring services, private schools, or other educational resources that align with their child's needs. This guide explains how to navigate the Odyssey marketplace.
My child was not selected. Does that mean they are permanently ineligible?
Not necessarily. If a student was eligible but not selected during the TEFA lottery process, they may receive priority consideration during future application cycles, especially if a sibling was approved for the program.
Families can continue monitoring future TEFA application windows through the official TEFA website.
Why might a student be found ineligible?
Eligibility decisions may vary based on several factors. Common reasons may include:
- Inability to verify Texas residency
- Inability to verify household income documentation
- Inability to confirm citizenship or lawful presence
- Failure to meet specific eligibility requirements for certain programs or funding categories
Families who believe a decision was made in error may have the option to appeal through the TEFA process.
I have not received a TEFA notification yet. Should I be concerned?
TEFA notifications may be released in phases. Families who have not yet received a notification can check their application status directly through their Odyssey account.
TEFA Spending and Approved Expenses
Can TEFA funds be used for Outschool classes?
Yes. Outschool is an approved TEFA provider. Families can access eligible Outschool purchases through the Odyssey marketplace using TEFA funds.
Can I use TEFA funds to pay a tutor who is not listed in Odyssey?
No. TEFA purchases must be made through approved providers available in the Odyssey marketplace.
Can TEFA funds be used to purchase a computer?
Technology purchases may qualify under TEFA guidelines, but technology-related expenses are currently limited to 10% of a student's annual TEFA award amount.
Can TEFA funds be used for therapy services?
Certain educational therapy services may qualify under TEFA guidelines if they are approved educational expenses and are not already funded through another government program.
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Can TEFA funds be used while a child remains enrolled in public school?
No. Students participating in TEFA cannot remain simultaneously enrolled in a Texas public or charter school.
What happens if unused TEFA funds remain at the end of the school year?
Unused TEFA funds may roll over into future school years as long as the student remains enrolled in the TEFA program.
What happens if we decide TEFA is no longer the right fit for our family?
Families may choose to withdraw from the TEFA program. Students may then become eligible to re-enroll in a Texas public or charter school, and unused TEFA funds may be returned according to program guidelines.
IEPs and Special Education
Do students with IEPs qualify for additional TEFA funding?
Students with an active IEP on file with their local school district may qualify for additional TEFA funding, including awards of up to $30,000 annually depending on eligibility.
What happens to IEP-related services if we leave the public school system for TEFA?
Students who leave the public school system for TEFA may experience changes to certain IDEA-related protections and special education services previously provided through the school district.
Families considering TEFA for a student with an IEP may want to carefully review how services, therapies, and educational support could change outside the public school system.
Can a student maintain an active IEP while participating in TEFA?
Yes. Maintaining an active IEP on file with the local school district may be important for continued eligibility for certain TEFA funding categories.
Making Informed TEFA Decisions
As families continue learning about the TEFA program, questions about eligibility, educational options, spending requirements, and long-term planning are likely to continue evolving.
However, consistently reviewing official TEFA guidance, maintaining organized records, and evaluating your child's individual educational needs can help your family make more informed decisions throughout the process.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. For official TEFA program information, refer to educationfreedom.texas.gov.
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