Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA): Homeschool Funding

Budget from the award for the student’s education arrangement

For 2026–27, the published homeschool/other award is $2,000 per participating child. Participating private-school students receive $10,474, with up to $30,000 for certain qualifying students with disabilities. Eligibility, applying and receiving an award are separate steps; use the awarded student’s category when planning curriculum purchases.

Homeschool and private-school funding schedules differ

The initial July 1, 2026 funding schedule gives homeschool/other students 100% of their award. Private-school students receive 25% initially, 25% on October 1, 2026 and 50% on February 1, 2027. Check the account’s actual available balance and outstanding commitments before placing an order.

Computer hardware and software have a separate spending limit

The official family guidance caps computer hardware or software at 10% of the total amount transferred to the student’s account that year. For a $2,000 transfer, that category limit is $200. Identify course access and equipment separately, and ask how the administrator classifies the exact product. Calling software “curriculum” does not remove a limit that applies to its actual category.

Use the approved purchase route and current application information

TEFA directs families to its approved education providers and marketplace. Confirm the product listing, student, access dates and price before ordering. The first application cycle has closed; the official site links a 2027–28 interest list for future announcements. Joining that list is not a scholarship application or award.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

TEFA has different funding levels for participating private-school students and students using homeschool or other qualifying education arrangements.

Program sources reviewed September 23, 2026

Who can qualify

Applicants must satisfy Texas residency and the program’s student and legal-presence requirements. Priority and available funding affect selection.

Award and budget

For 2026–27: $10,474 for participating private-school students, up to $30,000 for certain qualifying students with disabilities, and $2,000 for homeschool or other qualifying arrangements.

How home education fits

The published homeschool amount is $2,000. Families learning at home should not use the private-school headline amount in their curriculum budget.

Curriculum and permitted expenses

Use the approved program marketplace and verify the exact product. The official family guidance limits computer hardware or software to 10% of the total amount transferred to the student’s account that year. Course classification and item approval remain program decisions.

Applying and using funds

The first application window ran February 4–March 31, 2026. The initial July 1 funding schedule gives homeschool/other students 100% of their award. Private-school students receive 25% initially, 25% on October 1 and 50% on February 1. The official site links a 2027–28 interest list; it is not an application or award.

• Texas TEFA: awards and funding schedule
• Texas TEFA: eligible expenses
• Texas TEFA: providers and vendors

Federal scholarships starting in 2027

Texas has made an advance election to participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit) for 2027. The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC/FSTC) is separate from the state options above. ECCA refers to its earlier legislative proposal.

IRS participation list, as of 2026-09-14: advance election recorded. An advance election does not establish an approved SGO list, an open student application or an awarded scholarship. Check the Education Freedom Tax Credit guide and how to find an SGO for the next steps.

How much TEFA funding is available for homeschooling?

The published 2026–27 homeschool/other award is $2,000 per participating child. Private-school and qualifying disability-related awards have different amounts and conditions.

Are homeschool TEFA awards paid in installments?

The published initial schedule gives homeschool/other students 100% of their award. The July/October/February 25%/25%/50% installments apply to private-school awards. Confirm the balance in the student’s account.

Can I spend the whole homeschool award on an iPad and software?

The official guidance caps computer hardware or software at 10% of annual funds transferred. For a $2,000 transfer that category cap is $200. Check product classification, eligible expenses and the approved purchase route before ordering.

Can Texas homeschool families use these options?

Before budgeting for home education, use the TEFA category that actually applies to the student. Confirm selection, the approved purchasing process and the available balance. A family’s curriculum choices do not by themselves establish TEFA approval.