Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) | Francois Academy

1201 E. Airtex Drive #F, Houston, TX (281) 982-3454 [email protected]

Verified TEFA Provider · 2026 to 2027

State family applications are now closed

Use your Texas Education Freedom Account at Francois Academy

Francois Academy Early Education is an approved TEFA vendor. If your child received an Education Freedom Account, you can direct those funds toward enrollment with us.

Awarded a TEFA? Connect with us Join the 2027 to 2028 interest list

Standard award per student

$10,474

For the 2026 to 2027 school year, set by the State and deposited into your family's Education Savings Account.

Up to $30K

For students with a qualifying disability and an IEP on file

$2,000

For homeschool or other approved settings

Where things stand

The 2026 to 2027 window has closed. Here is your next step.

State applications ran February 4 to March 31, 2026. What you do now depends on whether your child received an award.

If your child was awarded

Apply your funds at Francois Academy

Confirm your selection in Odyssey. Log in to your account to accept your TEFA award.
Select Francois Academy as your participating school in the program marketplace before the State deadline of July 15, 2026.
Reach out to our enrollment team so we can confirm availability and reserve your child's place.

If you missed the window or were waitlisted

Stay ready for the next cycle

The 2026 to 2027 application window closed on March 31, 2026, and is no longer accepting new applicants.
You can join the official 2027 to 2028 interest list directly with the State to be notified when the next window opens.
Tell us you are interested, and we will keep your family posted on enrollment and program updates.

Join the interest list

Understanding the program

What is a Texas Education Freedom Account?

The Texas Education Freedom Account program is a state funded education savings account created by Senate Bill 2 in 2025, with one billion dollars in first-year funding. It is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and operated through Odyssey.

Eligible families receive funds in a secure account they direct toward approved education expenses, including private school tuition. It is the largest day-one school choice program in the nation, and demand far outpaced first-year funding.

Once a student is awarded and stays enrolled in good standing, families confirm their wish to continue rather than reapplying in full each year.

Award amounts, 2026 to 2027

$10,474 Standard award for a student attending a participating private school.

$30,000 Up to this amount for students with a qualifying disability and an IEP on file with a Texas school district.

$2,000 For homeschool or other approved educational settings.

Award amounts are set by the State and deposited into your family's account. Francois Academy applies its standard published tuition rates to every enrolled family, regardless of funding source.

How awards were prioritized

Who the program serves

TEFA is open to Texas residents with no school district or zip code restrictions. When demand exceeds funding, the State awards through a needs-based lottery across priority tiers.

Priority one

Children with disabilities and children in foster care in households at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level.

Priority two

Lower-income households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $66,000 for a family of four.

All other families

After priority groups are served, remaining funds reach other eligible Texas families through the lottery.

Residency

Families must be Texas residents. There is no income cap that disqualifies a family from applying.

At Francois Academy

Which of our programs TEFA covers

TEFA serves students who are eligible to attend a Texas public school, public Pre-K, or Kindergarten. At Francois Academy, that includes the programs below.

Preschool and Pre-K

School-readiness learning that prepares children for a strong start in elementary school.

TEFA eligible

School Age

Before and after school care with homework support and enrichment for children up to age 12.

TEFA eligible

Our Infant, Toddler, and Two-Year programs care for children below TEFA eligibility age and are not covered by the program. Pre-K eligibility carries additional State criteria, so contact us to confirm your child's eligibility before you plan around an award.

What funds can cover

Qualified TEFA expenses

Education Freedom Account funds can be directed toward a range of approved expenses. Check the Comptroller's guidelines for the complete list.

Private school tuition and required fees

Textbooks and instructional materials

Curriculum and learning resources

Educational technology and devices

Tutoring services

Testing and assessment fees

How funds are paid

Funding installment schedule

For awarded private school students, the State releases funds in three installments across the school year. Unused funds may roll over while your child remains eligible.

July 1, 2026

25%

First deposit for families who confirmed enrollment by the State deadline.

October 1, 2026

25%

Second installment released to the family's account.

February 1, 2027

50%

Final installment completes the year's award.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Francois Academy approved to accept TEFA funds?

Yes. Francois Academy Early Education is a verified TEFA provider for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Awarded families can select us as their participating school and direct funds toward tuition for eligible programs.

Can I still apply for TEFA?

Not for 2026 to 2027. The State family application window closed on March 31, 2026. You can join the official 2027 to 2028 interest list to be notified when the next window opens, and let us know so we can keep your family informed.

How much is an award worth?

For 2026 to 2027, the standard award is $10,474 per student attending a participating private school. Students with a qualifying disability and an IEP on file may receive up to $30,000, and homeschool or other settings receive $2,000.

Does a TEFA award guarantee a spot at Francois Academy?

No. A TEFA award is funding, not enrollment. Standard admission steps and program availability still apply, and our team will walk you through the process from start to finish.

Which Francois Academy programs qualify?

TEFA covers students eligible for Texas public school, public Pre-K, or Kindergarten, which includes our Preschool and Pre-K and our School Age programs. Our Infant, Toddler, and Two-Year programs are below TEFA age and are not covered. Pre-K eligibility carries extra State criteria, so contact us to confirm.

How do the funds reach the school?

Through your Odyssey account. Once you select Francois Academy in the program marketplace, funds are paid to the school. Families cover any remaining tuition balance using our standard payment methods and schedule.

Go deeper

Helpful TEFA resources

Visit the official State sources below for the latest program details, deadlines, and the next application cycle.

Official TEFA Website
educationfreedom.texas.gov 2027 to 2028 Interest List
Sign up for the next cycle Odyssey Family Login
Accept your award and select a school

We are here to help

Let's put your TEFA funds to work for your child

Our enrollment team will help you select Francois Academy in your account, confirm your child's program, and answer every question along the way. Whether you're just getting started or ready to enroll, we'll walk you through account setup, program eligibility, and paperwork one step at a time. No question is too small, and we're happy to meet by phone, email, or in person to make the process feel simple.

We are honored to walk alongside your family and to help your child grow with care, confidence, and joy.

Email our enrollment team Call (281) 982-3454