St. Anthony students, faculty, parents and priest on banner for Education Spending Account

Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)

Welcome, Families!

At St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS), we are more than just a school. We are a faith-rooted community committed to preparing students for college, life, and service through rigorous academics, strong character formation, and spiritual development. 
 
With the upcoming Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, many families throughout San Antonio and beyond are exploring private education options for the first time. Whether your student is entering middle school or high school, we are here to walk with you every step of the way. 
 
This guide will help you understand this exciting new opportunity and how SACHS can support your child’s educational journey. 

What is the TEFA Program?

In 2025, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program to expand educational choices for families. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, eligible students will receive state-funded accounts that can be used for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, approved tutoring, career and technical education, and other educational services. 
 
The program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, with support from Certified Educational Assistance Organizations (CEAOs). 
 

TEFA Funding Amounts

  • Private school students: Approximately $10,800 per year, calculated as 85% of statewide average per-student public funding.
  • Students with disabilities (with an IEP): Up to $30,000 annually.

Who Is Eligible?

  • All Pre‑K through 12th‑grade students who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and Texas residents are eligible. 
  • If applications exceed available funding, selection priority will go to siblings of TEFA students, students with disabilities, and families based on income. 

How TEFA works

  1. Eligibility & Application: Families apply through the Odyssey portal. 
  2. Withdrawals & Oversight: Funds are overseen by CEAOs and must be used only for approved expenses. 
  3. TEFA Continuation: Students in good standing are automatically rolled over year to year.
  4. Any unused funds will roll over to the following year

What is Odyssey?

Odyssey will manage an end-to-end platform that will support parents, schools, service providers and state administrators. The portal, along with robust customer support, will help guide families through the application process and allow them to pay tuition to schools and shop for eligible educational resources via an e-commerce marketplace. Applications are expected to open in early 2026.

 

Odyssey brings a strong track record of successfully managing education freedom programs across several states, including Iowa, Georgia, Louisiana, Utah and Wyoming. Its mobile-first platform will provide each approved TEFA recipient with a secure digital wallet featuring real-time balances and transaction details, offering access to an e-commerce marketplace where parents can shop on behalf of multiple students. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts)

Why Families Choose St. Anthony

  • Faith & Character Development: Solid foundation in Catholic values and moral leadership. 
  • Academic Excellence: Honors, AP, dual credit at the University of the Incarnate Word, and personalized instruction. 
  • Welcoming, Safe Environment: Nurturing, UIW-PD and an inclusive community with strong parent support. 
  • Accessible Tuition: ESA funding and tuition assistance make Catholic education attainable. 

Next Steps with SACHS

  1. Visit the Comptroller’s TEFA website to review eligibility and deadlines. 
  2. Apply to SACHS via Odyssey and indicate ESA interest. 
  3. Attend an Open House or schedule a campus visit. 
  4. Enroll and use TEFA funds securely with SACHS support. 

Schedule a 1:1 meeting today!

Enrollment Director - Jessica Garza headshotWe are here for you every step of the way.

Phone: (210) 832-5606 
Email: [email protected] 
Enrollment Director - Jessica Garza

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