Private school vouchers,
without the guesswork.

What could an award cover?

These are dated program amounts, not promises. Late awards can be prorated. Use the amount in your official account for an actual budget.

Who may meet the basic rules?

The parent and child must meet Texas residency rules. The child must have a qualifying citizenship or lawful-admission status and be eligible for the applicable Texas public-school or pre-K program. An applicant must have authority to act for the child.

Income affects priority; higher income does not by itself rule out basic eligibility. Prior public-school attendance was not a universal first-year eligibility requirement. A child cannot receive TEFA while enrolled for Texas public or charter school funding.

Pre-K has narrower requirements

Age alone is not enough. A child must meet a qualifying public pre-K category, such as certain income, language, homelessness, foster-care, military-family, or other statutory conditions. Check the official list before making a tuition commitment.

Eligibility does not guarantee funding

The program uses priority rules and a lottery when acceptable applications exceed funding. In 2026–27, the broad order considers qualifying disability evidence and household income. Some applicants also have priority within their tier.

Our calculator shows a broad closed-cycle priority estimate using 2026 income thresholds. It cannot predict selection, waitlist movement, or next-cycle priority. Only the program can review your documents and make a decision.

How vouchers and school aid work together

A school may take TEFA into account when deciding need-based aid. Ask for a written aid figure after the school considers the voucher. Subtracting a voucher from an older aid offer can make your costs look lower than they really are.

Generally available discounts should remain available, and participating schools should not charge a different tuition simply because a student receives TEFA. Confirm your own quote and fee details with the school.

Plan for payment timing

Standard private-school funding is scheduled in 25%, 25%, and 50% installments, subject to confirmation and continuing eligibility. School deposits and tuition bills may come earlier. Ask whether the school will align billing with the program’s payments.

Students must confirm their setting by September 15 to receive the full award under the published 2026–27 timeline. Check your account for the instructions that apply to your situation.

Your next step

• Already awarded: confirm your account amount, school approval, enrollment, and payment dates.
• Waitlisted: plan a budget without funding and watch your official account.
• Did not apply: use the official next-cycle interest list and keep dates marked unconfirmed.
• Still choosing a school: compare fit, admission requirements, full costs, and school-specific aid.