The path to a happy homeschool
Applications Now Open!
Apply by March 17, 2026 at educationfreedom.texas.gov
This is not first-come, first-served. You can apply anytime during the window without affecting your chances.
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2 and committed $1 billion in funding to create the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program — expected to be the largest day-one school choice initiative in the nation.
The program gives families who educate their children outside of the public school system access to funds for approved educational expenses. For homeschool families, that means $2,000 per student per year.
To be eligible, a parent must provide proof that their child:
If more applicants apply than funding allows, a prioritization system is used — with priority given to families with lower incomes and children with disabilities. Once accepted, participants remain eligible as long as they stay in good standing (no need to reapply each year).
The approved expense categories are broad and cover many common homeschool needs:
Textbooks, curriculum, and other instructional materials.
Tuition and fees for online educational courses or programs.
Private tutoring services from approved providers.
Standardized testing and assessment costs.
Up to 10% of your annual funds can go toward technology.
Therapies not covered by federal, state, or local government benefits.
Transportation to and from approved providers.
Funds may not be used to pay a family member. Unused funds roll over as long as the child remains in the program. For the full list, visit educationfreedom.texas.gov.
TEFA participants access approved educational products and services through the TEFA Marketplace, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Providers and vendors apply to be listed in the marketplace, and families can then use their TEFA funds to purchase from approved vendors.
The vendor application process is still being rolled out. Applications for vendors and providers are expected to continue opening throughout 2026.
HomeTrail is homeschool tracking software that helps Texas families document their learning journey. While HomeTrail is not yet a vendor in the TEFA Marketplace, we're closely following the program and plan to apply when the vendor process opens.
In the meantime, HomeTrail is free to get started — and already helps thousands of Texas homeschool families with:
Log what your kids learn each day. Text it in via TrailGuide or use the app — either way, it takes seconds.
Build beautiful portfolios for co-ops, grandparents, or college applications.
Capture your child's best work — art projects, essays, science experiments — all in one place.
Your kids get their own app with personalized learning packs.
Application Window Open
February 4 – March 17, 2026. Apply at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
Funding Notifications
Parents will be notified whether their application was accepted beginning early April 2026.
Initial Funding
At least 25% of approved funds available July 1, 2026.
Additional Funding
At least 50% available by October 1, 2026. Remaining funds by April 1, 2027.
Not necessarily. If applications exceed available funding, a lottery will determine placement. Priority is given to children with disabilities and lower-income families.
No. Participants in good standing stay in the program automatically. Families only need to confirm they want to continue.
Yes, if the provider applies for approval and is accepted into the TEFA Marketplace.
Not yet. The vendor application process for new providers hasn't fully opened. We're following the program closely and plan to apply when it does. In the meantime, HomeTrail is free to get started!
Texas has minimal homeschool requirements and doesn't mandate specific record keeping. However, many families keep records for personal tracking, college prep, or if they move to another state. HomeTrail makes this effortless.
Visit educationfreedom.texas.gov for official program details, or contact the Texas Comptroller's office at [email protected].
HomeTrail is free to get started — no ESA needed. Upgrade to HomeTrail Plus when you want TrailGuide, Nest, and transcripts. Join thousands of Texas families already using HomeTrail.
Get Started FreePlanner, attendance, Journey, and portfolio reports on the house.
Want the full stack? Try HomeTrail Plus free for 10 days — TrailGuide, Nest, grading, and transcripts. $19.99/mo after.
The path to a happy homeschool