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Church Leaders: Guide Your Congregation Through TEFA Next Steps

The application window has closed. Here's what to do now.

The Situation​

The TEFA application window closed on March 31, 2026. Over 130,000 families applied. Award notifications are now being sent out (early April 2026).

The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program provides up to $10,474 per child for private school (up to $30,000 for students with disabilities), or $2,000 for homeschool expenses.

Your role now: Help families in your congregation who applied understand their next steps, and help them select the right school before the June 1 or July 15 deadlines.

Why This Matters for Your Church​

  1. Families who were approved now need to select a school. School selection deadlines are June 1 (for July 1 funding) and July 15 (for August school year start). More schools are joining daily.

  2. There is no penalty for not using the funds. Families can withdraw from the program at any time and return to public school. The unused portion simply returns to the state.

  3. If you're considering a church microschool, now is the time to gauge interest. The families in your congregation who were approved for TEFA are your potential enrollment base.

  4. Even without a church microschool, families can use TEFA funds at any approved private school ($10,474) or for homeschool expenses ($2,000).

What to Say to Your Congregation​

Here's language for the current phase:

"Many of you applied for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, which can provide up to $10,474 per child for private school, or up to $30,000 for students with disabilities. Award notifications are going out now.

If you were approved, the next step is selecting a school. The deadline to select a school and receive funding by July 1 is June 1. The final deadline to select a school for the August school year start is July 15. More schools are joining the program daily. Log in to the Odyssey platform to check your status and explore your options."

If you're considering a church microschool (even tentatively):

"Our church is exploring the possibility of offering education options for our families. If you were approved for TEFA, we'd love to talk with you about what this could look like. Please reach out to [contact person] if you're interested."

The Timeline for Church Leaders​

WhenStatusWhat to Do
✅ Feb 4 - March 31CompleteApplication window (closed)
Now (April)In progressAward notifications going out. Help families check their status on Odyssey.
June 146d 4h 21mDeadline to select a school to receive funding by July 1.
July 1590d 4h 21mDeadline to select a school for August school year start.

Practical Ways to Help Families Now​

  1. Sunday announcements - Remind families to check their TEFA status on Odyssey
  2. Church bulletin/newsletter - Share school selection deadlines (June 1 and July 15)
  3. Small group leaders - Ask them to check in with parents about their TEFA status
  4. Parent gatherings - If you have parent groups, discuss school options together
  5. One-on-one conversations - When you see parents, ask "Did you hear back on TEFA?"

What Families Need to Apply​

Direct families to the official checklist, but the basics are:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency
  • Proof of Texas residency
  • Proof of household income (for prioritization)
  • Child must be eligible to attend Texas public school

Full details: educationfreedom.texas.gov

Addressing Common Concerns​

"But I'm happy with our public school."

"That's great! You don't have to use it. But having the option costs you nothing, and circumstances can change."

"I don't know what school I'd send them to."

"You don't have to decide now. The application just establishes eligibility. You pick your school later in April or May."

"What if I apply and then decide not to use it?"

"No penalty. You can withdraw at any time. The unused money just goes back to the state."

"Is this for real?"

"Yes, this is a state program through the Texas Comptroller's office. The official website is educationfreedom.texas.gov."

The Bottom Line​

The application window is closed, but the work isn't done. Families who applied need guidance on next steps.

Help your congregation understand the upcoming deadlines: June 1 to select a school for July 1 funding, and July 15 for August school year start.

If You're Considering a Church Microschool​

This guide focuses on helping families navigate the TEFA process. If you ARE considering a church microschool, see our full guide: Starting a Church-Based Microschool

The more families in your congregation who were approved for TEFA, the more viable a church microschool becomes.