Church Leaders: Encourage Your Congregation to Apply for TEFA Now
Even if you're not sure about starting a church microschool yet
The Situation
until TEFA applications open
Texas families have a 6-week window (February 4 - March 17, 2026) to apply for education funding through the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program: up to $10,474 per child for private school (up to $30,000 for students with disabilities), or $2,000 for homeschool expenses.
The problem: To illustrate the problem looming for Texas, let's look at what happened in Florida (according to the Prenda team), where many families missed their application window and couldn't participate in microschools they wanted to join. The window closed. Opportunity gone.
Your role: As a church leader, you can help families in your congregation not miss this window.
Why Promote This Even If You're Undecided About a Church Microschool?
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There is no penalty for parents applying and 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.
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Families don't pick their school when they apply. The application (Feb 4 - March 17) just establishes eligibility. School selection happens later in April/May.
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It's a lottery system. If demand exceeds funding, families are prioritized by income level and disability status. Families who don't apply have zero chance.
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You preserve options. Even if your church decides NOT to start a microschool, families can use TEFA funds at any approved private school ($10,474) or for homeschool expenses ($2,000).
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If you DO decide to start a microschool, you'll want families who already have TEFA funding. The bigger your pool of TEFA-approved families, the more viable your school becomes.
What to Say to Your Congregation
Here's language adapted from microschool practitioners:
"Texas now has a scholarship program that can provide up to $10,474 per child for private school—or up to $30,000 for students with disabilities. The application window is very short: February 4 through March 17.
If you think there's ANY chance you might want educational options beyond public school for your children, I encourage you to apply now. You're not committing to anything. You can change your mind later. But if you don't apply during this window, you won't have the option at all for the 2026-2027 school year.
It would be a shame for any family to decide in the summer that they want this opportunity, only to find out the window closed in March."
If you're considering a church microschool (even tentatively):
"Our church is exploring the possibility of offering education options for our families. We're still in the early stages, but if this is something we pursue, we'd love to have families who have already secured TEFA funding. Applying now keeps your options open."
The Timeline for Church Leaders
| When | Countdown | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Now | 20d 12h 47m | Announce TEFA to your congregation. Share what it is and why it matters. |
| Feb 4 | 20d 12h 47m | Applications open. Announce this from the pulpit. |
| Weekly in Feb/March | — | Brief reminders. "Have you applied yet?" |
| March 17 | 62d 11h 47m | Final deadline. Last call. |
| April | — | Award notifications go out. Families confirm school choices. |
Practical Ways to Promote
- Sunday announcements - Brief mention each week during the application window
- Church bulletin/newsletter - Include the deadline and website
- Small group leaders - Ask them to mention it to parents in their groups
- Social media - Share the application link
- Parent gatherings - If you have parent groups, make it an agenda item
- One-on-one conversations - When you see parents, ask "Have you looked into 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
You're not asking families to commit to anything. You're helping them keep their options open.
The worst case: They apply, get approved, decide they don't need it, and nothing happens.
The actual worst case: They don't apply, decide in June they want options, and it's too late.
Promote it now. Remind them often. March 17 is the deadline.
If You're Considering a Church Microschool
This guide is specifically about promoting TEFA applications even if you're undecided. But if you ARE considering a church microschool, see our full guide: Starting a Church-Based Microschool
The more families in your congregation who have TEFA funding, the more viable any future microschool becomes.