Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

TEFA Funding

Helping families access private Christian education through state education funds

What is TEFA?

The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program provides state-funded education dollars to help Texas families pay for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition.

  • Managed by the Texas Comptroller

  • Award amounts vary: typically $10,000 per student, up to $30,000 for students with disabilities

  • Funds are applied directly through the state-managed online TEFA account

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility overview:
  • Texas school-age children
  • Priority given to low-income families, students with disabilities, military families, and English learners
  • TEFA awards are subject to a lottery if demand exceeds funding

Check Your Eligibility

Applications are set to open February 4, 2026.

How to Apply to the State

Step by Step Guide:

  1. Prepare Your Documents
    • Birth certificate, proof of Texas residency, school enrollment record, income documentation, disability documentation if applicable
  2. Complete the State Application
    • Apply via the official Texas Comptroller TEFA portal
  3. Await State Notification
    • Approval and award amounts are determined by the state
  4. Use Your TEFA Account to Pay Tuition 
    • Once approved, tuition payments to Mercy Prep are made through the TEFA platform

Using TEFA at Mercy Prep

Key Points:

  • TEFA funds can cover tuition and approved educational expenses

  • Families are responsible for any portion of tuition not covered by TEFA

  • Enrollment at Mercy Prep does not depend on TEFA approval

Mercy Prep Limitations & Safeguards

To maintain financial stability and continue serving our community, Mercy Prep will:
  • Accept a maximum of 30% of families who are financially dependent on TEFA funds
  • Require all TEFA-intending families to complete a financial aid assessment
  • Reserve the right to manage co-payments and tuition balances if TEFA funds are delayed, reduced, or discontinued

Call to Action

  • Inform Mercy Prep of your intent to use TEFA

  • Monitor Texas Comptroller updates for the TEFA application window

  • Apply directly to the state when the portal opens

  • When/if awarded, complete the FACTS financial aid assessment

FAQs

Q. What if my TEFA application is denied?
A. Mercy Prep does not require TEFA funding to attend. Families who can pay tuition without TEFA may continue as usual. If TEFA funds are required for enrollment, the application will not move forward.

Q. Can TEFA funds cover all tuition?
A. Yes. At this time, TEFA awards are sufficient to cover tuition, books, and potentially uniforms for attendance at Mercy Prep.

Q. What happens if TEFA ends or is reduced mid-year?
A. Families are responsible for fulfilling their tuition contract. If TEFA funding ends or is reduced, parents must cover any remaining balance.

Q. What documentation do I need for TEFA?
A. Common documents include proof of Texas residency, birth certificate, current school enrollment, income verification (for priority), and disability documentation if applicable. Exact requirements are listed on the TEFA application portal.

Q. Can my child attend Mercy Prep if my TEFA application is still pending?
A. Yes, families who can pay tuition without TEFA may proceed with enrollment. Families who require TEFA funding to attend must wait until TEFA is awarded to continue the application process.

Q. Do TEFA funds cover additional fees beyond tuition?
A. TEFA funds can cover tuition, books, and potentially uniforms. Other optional fees or extracurricular expenses are typically the family’s responsibility.