Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), established by the 89th Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 2 in 2025, provide eligible Texas families with state-funded resources to support greater choice and flexibility in their children’s education, including enrollment at private Christian schools like Covenant Christian Academy.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers the TEFA program, which is separate from CCA’s admissions process and CCA Tuition Assistance.

Families accepted into the program may use TEFA funds for approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL TEFA WEBSITE
How Much Funding Does TEFA Provide?

For the 2026–2027 school year, the state established the award for an eligible student attending an approved private school at $10,474 per child.

An awarded private-school student with a qualifying disability and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) on file with the Texas Education Agency may be eligible for additional funding, up to $30,000, based on the student’s circumstances.

The State of Texas sets TEFA award amounts, which may change each year.

Who Is Eligible?

The State of Texas determines TEFA eligibility, not Covenant Christian Academy.

Families should use the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website for the most current information regarding eligibility, priority categories, award amounts, and program requirements.

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Private Christian Education: Financial Resources for Texas Families

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Planning for TEFA in 2027–2028?

The State of Texas has not yet announced the application timeline for the 2027–2028 TEFA application period.

Families who missed the 2026–2027 application cycle and are interested in TEFA for 2027–2028 are encouraged to join the state’s 2027–28 Interest List to receive information about future opportunities to apply.

Families can also sign up directly with the state to receive TEFA family updates.

Joining the Interest List is not the same as applying for TEFA and does not guarantee funding. Families will still need to complete the official application once the 2027–2028 application period opens.

JOIN THE 2027–28 TEFA INTEREST LIST

New Families: Start All Three Processes at the Same Time

If you are a prospective CCA family who expects to need financial assistance, don’t wait for one process to finish before starting the others.

We encourage you to pursue all three concurrently:

1. Apply to CCA

Begin and complete the CCA admissions process.

2. Apply for TEFA

Apply directly through the State of Texas when the 2027–2028 application becomes available.

3. Apply for CCA Tuition Assistance

Complete your FACTS Grant & Aid application and required documentation by CCA’s priority deadline.

How TEFA and CCA Tuition Assistance Work Together

TEFA and CCA Tuition Assistance are separate programs, and families may apply for both.

Because TEFA funding reduces a family’s tuition obligation, CCA will consider TEFA funding when determining a family’s demonstrated need and CCA Tuition Assistance award.

Families applying for TEFA should still complete their FACTS application by CCA’s priority deadline. CCA will hold the Tuition Assistance decision until the family’s TEFA funding status is known.

Once the TEFA determination is received, CCA will consider the family’s FACTS application, TEFA funding, remaining tuition obligation, demonstrated financial need, and available Tuition Assistance resources to determine an appropriate CCA Tuition Assistance award.

This approach allows CCA to consider each family’s complete financial picture while responsibly stewarding our limited Tuition Assistance resources to serve as many qualifying families as possible.

Questions? Let’s Talk About What’s Possible.

We understand that every family’s financial circumstances are different, and navigating CCA Tuition Assistance and TEFA together may raise questions. We’re happy to help you understand CCA’s Tuition Assistance process.

Please contact Joy Hale at joy.hale@covenantchristian.net | 817-281-4333 ext. 156 for any questions or concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. TEFA and CCA admissions are completely separate processes. Receiving a TEFA award does not guarantee admission to Covenant Christian Academy or alter CCA’s admissions criteria.

No. TEFA is a state-funded program administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. CCA Tuition Assistance is need-based assistance funded by Covenant Christian Academy.

Families may pursue both programs.

No. Families apply for TEFA directly through the state program. CCA does not determine TEFA eligibility, priority, or award amounts.

No. Complete your FACTS Grant & Aid application by CCA’s priority deadline.

TEFA funding changes the amount of tuition a family must pay. Waiting until TEFA funding is known allows CCA to evaluate the family’s actual remaining tuition obligation and financial need.

It also allows CCA to responsibly steward its limited Tuition Assistance resources and make those funds available to as many qualifying families as possible.

Not receiving TEFA does not prevent your family from qualifying for CCA Tuition Assistance.

Once your TEFA determination is known, CCA can evaluate your FACTS application based on your demonstrated financial need and available Tuition Assistance resources.

CCA will consider your TEFA funding when determining your remaining tuition obligation and demonstrated financial need. CCA will then determine whether additional CCA Tuition Assistance is appropriate.

No. CCA will not process or communicate a Tuition Assistance award to a prospective family until the student has completed the admissions process and has been admitted to CCA.

No. New families should move forward with CCA Admissions, TEFA, and FACTS at the same time.

Waiting for a TEFA or Tuition Assistance decision before beginning admissions could unnecessarily delay your family’s admissions process.

Because TEFA is administered by the State of Texas and program details may change, families should use the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website as their primary source for eligibility requirements, award amounts, application dates, priority categories, and program updates.

We’re Here to Help You Take the Next Step.

We understand that every family’s financial circumstances are different, and navigating CCA Tuition Assistance and TEFA together may raise questions. We’re happy to help you understand CCA’s Tuition Assistance process.

Please contact Joy Hale at joy.hale@covenantchristian.net | 817-281-4333 ext. 156 for any questions or concerns.

Connect Today!

For questions about TEFA eligibility, applications, award amounts, or state program requirements, please contact the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program directly or visit the official TEFA website.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Covenant Christian Academy does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid and scholarship programs, and athletic or fine arts administered programs.