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. 
TEFA Application Info Session

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. 
 
Children are eligible to participate if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents and are eligible to attend a Texas school district or open-enrollment charter school or pre-K program, including children of active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces. Any Texas parent may apply for their child: “Parent” is defined as a Texas resident who is a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, legal guardian, custodian or other person with legal authority to act on behalf of a child. 

The program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The providers of educational materials and resources approved by TEA for the Parent- Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) are approved providers for the program.
 

TEFA Funding Amounts

State law sets the amount of the ESA based at 85% of statewide average state and local funding per student in Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will determine the exact funding amounts for the first year of the program:
 
  • 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?

If applications exceed available funding, eligible applicants will be prioritized in the following order:
  • Siblings of children already in the program (after the first round of selections).
  • Children with a disability from a household with income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
  • Children from households at or below 200% FPL.
  • Children from households above 200% and below 500% FPL.
  • Children from households at or above 500% FPL, prioritized by children who were enrolled in a Texas public school district or an open-enrollment charter school for at least 90% of the preceding school year, according to the TEA. No more than 20% of total program funds may be spent on this category in a given school year.
 
If during an application period, more acceptable applications are submitted than available positions, a waitlist will be established based on the priority categories listed above.
Tiers for support

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

FAQs

Video Hub

Para obtener la traducción al español, haga clic aquí:
https://www.youtube.com/@SACatholicSchools