San Antonio
TEFA in San Antonio: What Families Need to Know
San Antonio is one of Texas's largest cities and a major metro for education. Families here have access to the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program for the 2026-27 school year. The Archdiocese of San Antonio has been active in ESA outreach, and hundreds of area schools may participate. This page provides San Antonio-specific context on funding, private school participation, and alternatives.
Last updated: February 2026. Source: educationfreedom.texas.gov
Funding Context for San Antonio
TEFA provides $10,474 for private school students, up to $30,000 for students with an IEP on file, and $2,000 for homeschool students. Private school tuition in the San Antonio metro tends to be lower than in Houston or Austin—typically ranging from approximately $8,000 to $18,000 per year. The standard TEFA amount may cover a larger share of tuition at many San Antonio-area schools compared to higher-cost metros.
Tuition vs. TEFA Funding Comparison
| Scenario | Metro Typical | TEFA Amount | Est. Out-of-Pocket Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private school | $8,000–$18,000 (lower than Houston/Austin) | $10,474 | Minimal to moderate; often covered at mid-range |
| Private school (IEP on file) | $8,000–$18,000 | Up to $30,000 | Often fully covered |
| Homeschool | N/A | $2,000 | N/A |
Use the funding calculator to estimate your potential amount and compare it to schools you are considering.
Private School Participation
Not all private schools participate in TEFA. Schools must apply, meet accreditation requirements, and be approved. The TEFA School Finder lists participating schools. The Archdiocese of San Antonio (archsa.org) has an ESA hub and has encouraged Catholic schools to participate. Local reporting has noted hundreds of San Antonio-area schools in the program; verify each school's status through the official finder.
Local Alternatives
San Antonio-area families have several public options:
- Northside ISD, North East ISD, San Antonio ISD — The metro's largest districts offer magnet programs, specialized campuses, and school choice options.
- Charter schools — Multiple charter networks operate in the San Antonio area. Open enrollment and lottery policies vary.
- Judson ISD — Serves the northeast metro with its own program offerings.
TEFA is one option among many. For full eligibility requirements and how to apply, see our core guides.
TEFA by School District
The San Antonio metro is served by several large independent school districts, including Northside (one of Texas's largest by enrollment), North East, San Antonio ISD, and Judson. District boundaries can span multiple ZIP codes; verify your address against district maps if unsure. Below are district-specific TEFA resources for:
- TEFA in Northside ISD — San Antonio's largest district
- TEFA in North East ISD — Northeast San Antonio
- TEFA in San Antonio ISD — Central San Antonio
- TEFA in Judson ISD — Northeast San Antonio metro
Each district page includes local context, funding considerations, and alternatives. For a full program overview, eligibility rules, and the application process, see our core pages.
Next Steps
- Check eligibility — Confirm your child meets the requirements.
- Use the funding calculator — Estimate your potential amount.
- Search the TEFA School Finder — Find participating schools in the San Antonio area.
- Review the application guide — Apply by March 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (San Antonio)
How much does private school cost in San Antonio?
Private school tuition in the San Antonio metro typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $18,000 per year—lower than Houston or Austin. TEFA provides $10,474 for private school students, so the standard amount may cover a larger share of tuition at many local schools. Learn more: TEFA Overview
Which San Antonio-area districts have TEFA resources?
We provide district-specific pages for Northside, North East, San Antonio, and Judson ISDs. Each covers local context and alternatives. See the ISD cluster above.
Does the Archdiocese of San Antonio support TEFA?
The Archdiocese of San Antonio has an ESA resource hub and has encouraged Catholic schools to participate in TEFA. Verify each school's participation status through the official TEFA School Finder.
When is the TEFA application deadline?
The application window runs February 4 – March 17, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17. Learn more: Application Guide