Texas Education Freedom Accounts & Homeschooling
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.
What is the Texas Education Freedom Account?
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.
TEFA Funding at a Glance
- Homeschool families: $2,000 per student per year
- Private school students: $10,474 per student per year
- Students with disabilities (IEP on file): Up to $30,000 per year
- Application window: February 4 – March 17, 2026
- Funds available: Starting July 1, 2026
- Apply at: educationfreedom.texas.gov
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, a parent must provide proof that their child:
- Is a citizen or national of the United States, or lawfully admitted
- Is eligible to attend a Texas public school or charter school (or pre-K/kindergarten program)
- Resides in the state of Texas
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).
What Can You Spend TEFA Funds On?
The approved expense categories are broad and cover many common homeschool needs:
Instructional Materials
Textbooks, curriculum, and other instructional materials.
Educational Software & Online Courses
Tuition and fees for online educational courses or programs.
Tutoring
Private tutoring services from approved providers.
Academic Assessments
Standardized testing and assessment costs.
Computer Hardware & Software
Up to 10% of your annual funds can go toward technology.
Educational Therapies
Therapies not covered by federal, state, or local government benefits.
Transportation
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.
How the TEFA Marketplace Works
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.
Where Does HomeTrail Fit In?
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:
Track Learning Activities
Log what your kids learn each day. Text it in via TrailGuide or use the app — either way, it takes seconds.
Create Portfolios
Build beautiful portfolios for co-ops, grandparents, or college applications.
Save Masterpieces
Capture your child's best work — art projects, essays, science experiments — all in one place.
Student App
Your kids get their own app with personalized learning packs.
TEFA Timeline
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will every eligible child who applies be accepted?
Not necessarily. If applications exceed available funding, a lottery will determine placement. Priority is given to children with disabilities and lower-income families.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Participants in good standing stay in the program automatically. Families only need to confirm they want to continue.
Can ESA funds cover online or out-of-state programs?
Yes, if the provider applies for approval and is accepted into the TEFA Marketplace.
Is HomeTrail in 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!
Do I need to keep records in Texas?
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.
Where can I learn more about TEFA?
Visit educationfreedom.texas.gov for official program details, or contact the Texas Comptroller's office at [email protected].
Start Tracking Your Homeschool Today
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.
