Frequently Asked Questions about TEFA
More information can be found at EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov
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What is the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)? The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program is a state-funded initiative that allows eligible families to use public funds toward approved educational expenses for their child, including private school tuition, educational therapies, curriculum, tutoring, and other qualifying services through approved vendors.
Is The Vine School an approved TEFA vendor? Yes. The Vine School is an approved TEFA vendor for eligible educational services.
What expenses may TEFA funds be used for? Eligible expenses may include: Tuition Educational therapies Speech and language services Specialized instructional support Approved educational materials and services All expenses must comply with current TEFA guidelines and approval requirements.
How do families apply for TEFA? Families must apply directly through the official TEFA application portal during the state’s enrollment window.
How are TEFA funds applied? Approved TEFA funds are typically distributed through the state’s designated platform and applied toward eligible educational expenses according to state guidelines.
I’m on the TEFA waitlist. What’s next? If a student is on the waitlist, their status will continue to appear as “eligible” in the program platform. No funding amount will be visible. The Comptroller’s Office will periodically review program funding to issue additional awards to students on the waitlist. Funds will become available to issue awards to more students for three reasons: Students opt out of the program. Students who initially applied as private school students select homeschool/other, lowering their funding amount to $2,000 Appeals of eligibility, funding and prioritization get resolved, freeing up funding reserved by the Comptroller’s Office to accommodate those appeals. Students will receive awards in sequential order, based on their prioritization tier and their position in the lottery sequence. When waitlisted students receive awards, they will be notified by email and text message, and an award amount will be visible in the program platform.
What if my child has special learning needs? The Vine School specializes in supporting students with learning differences and developmental needs, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder Dyslexia Dysgraphia Dyscalculia Speech and language disorders Intellectual and developmental differences Programs and services are individualized to support each student’s success.
What Cannot Be Paid for with TEFA Funds? TEFA funds may only be used for approved educational expenses. The following are examples of expenses that are not eligible for TEFA use and will not be accepted by The Vine School as payment. Registration or application fees Late fees or returned payment fees Fundraisers or donations Extracurricular activities not approved by TEFA Transportation costs Meals or snacks Before-school or after-school childcare Summer camps or childcare programs not approved under TEFA guidelines Medical services not considered eligible educational therapies Non-educational supplies or personal items Technology or equipment not approved through the TEFA program Fees for services provided before TEFA approval or outside the approved funding period
What happens after I opt in and select a participating school? A school must confirm a student’s enrollment to allow that student to receive funding. The deadlines are as follows: Students whose parents opt in and select a school by June 1 and have schools confirm enrollment by June 15 can receive funding July 1. Students whose parents opt in and select a school by July 15 and have schools confirm enrollment by July 31 can receive funding in August. Students whose parents do not complete these steps by July 15 will forfeit their awards, and their funding will be used to bring another student off the waitlist.
Are Pre-K students eligible for TEFA services at The Vine School? No. While The Vine School accepts Pre-K aged students, TEFA funding is not currently available for Pre-K enrollment at our school. At this time, TEFA funds may only be used for eligible students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, or up to age 22 for students who qualify for continued public school services beyond age 18.
Can TEFA be combined with scholarships or financial assistance? Eligibility for combining TEFA funds with other tuition assistance or scholarships is allowed. The parents will see any tuition assistance funds or other scholarship sources noted in the annual Tuition Contract.
If my student remains on the waitlist for 2026-27, what will happen in future years? State law requires the Comptroller’s Office to report students on the waitlist to the Legislature to inform future funding decisions. Accordingly, your student’s presence on the waitlist may help the program serve more students in future years.
What happens if my student receives a TEFA award after enrollment? Families who receive a TEFA award should notify the school immediately and provide updated award information, including their waitlist or allocation status through the Odyssey platform.
Does receiving a TEFA award guarantee enrollment at The Vine School? No. Enrollment at The Vine School is separate from the TEFA process. Students must still complete the school’s admissions and enrollment procedures, and placement availability may be limited.
How do I find out what educational services, supplies/material, and other resources can be purchased with TEFA funds? You can type in your location and approved vendors in the various categories will be listed here. https://finder.educationfreedom.texas.gov/