TEFA Homeschool Funding

TEFA Homeschool Funding

Texas families who homeschool their children may be eligible for $2,000 per year per child through the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. This amount is available to participating children who are homeschooled or not enrolled in a public school or pre-K/kindergarten program. This page covers eligibility, approved homeschool expenses, and how to apply.

Last updated: February 2026. Source: educationfreedom.texas.gov

Funding Amount for Homeschool Students

Educational SettingAnnual Amount
Homeschool$2,000
Not enrolled in public school or pre-K/K$2,000

The $2,000 amount is fixed annually for the 2026-27 school year. It is lower than the $10,474 available to private school students because the funding structure differs by educational setting. Funds may be used for approved education-related expenses through the TEFA marketplace.

Eligibility for Homeschool Families

Homeschool families must meet the same basic eligibility requirements as all TEFA applicants:

  • The child must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States
  • The child must be eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school, or pre-K/kindergarten program
  • The child must reside in Texas
  • The parent must be a Texas resident

There is no income limit that disqualifies a family. However, if applications exceed available funding, a prioritization order applies. See our eligibility page for the full prioritization tiers.

Approved Expenses for Homeschool

TEFA funds for homeschool students may be used for the following approved expenses through the program marketplace:

Educational services and materials:

  • Textbooks and other instructional materials
  • Curriculum and course materials
  • Fees for online educational courses or programs approved by the Texas Education Agency
  • Fees for industry-based credential programs approved by TEA

Other approved expenses:

  • Academic assessment costs
  • Private tutoring
  • Educational therapies not covered by Medicaid or other government benefits
  • Computer hardware or software (capped at 10% of the annual amount transferred to the child's account)

Restriction: Funds may not be used to pay a family member for services. For example, a parent cannot receive payment from the TEFA account for teaching their own child.

What Homeschool Funds Cannot Pay For

  • Tuition at a private school (if your child attends private school, they receive the $10,474 amount, not $2,000)
  • Payment to a family member
  • Expenses not approved by the program
  • Items or services purchased outside the TEFA marketplace (unless otherwise permitted by program rules)

Review the official approved expenses list for the complete and authoritative list.

How to Apply

Homeschool families apply through the same portal as all TEFA applicants:

  1. Confirm eligibility — Review the eligibility requirements.
  2. Apply during the window — February 4 – March 17, 2026, at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
  3. Indicate homeschool — When completing the application, select the option that your child will be homeschooled or not enrolled in a public school or pre-K/kindergarten program.
  4. Gather documents — Proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence. See the application guide for the full checklist.

The program is not first-come, first-served. Applying at any time during the window does not affect your chances.

Texas Homeschool Law and TEFA

Texas law allows parents to homeschool their children as a private school. Homeschool families are not required to register with the state or seek approval from a school district. TEFA does not change these requirements. Acceptance into TEFA does not impose additional reporting or curriculum requirements beyond what state law already requires for homeschools.

For information on Texas homeschool law and advocacy, the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) provides resources. THSC also offers information on school choice legislation and TEFA.

Prioritization for Homeschool Families

Homeschool families are subject to the same prioritization order as all applicants. If funding is limited:

  1. Children with a disability (household income ≤500% FPL) are prioritized first
  2. Children in households at or below 200% FPL are next
  3. Children in households between 200% and 500% FPL follow
  4. Children in households at or above 500% FPL are last; within this group, those who were in public/charter school for 90%+ of the prior year are prioritized, and this group is capped at 20% of program funds

See the full eligibility and prioritization details.

Funds Roll Over

Unused funds at the end of the school year carry forward as long as the child remains in the TEFA program. You do not lose unused funds if you continue participating.

Participants Do Not Reapply Annually

Once accepted, participants in good standing stay in the program automatically. You confirm continuation each year; a full new application is not required.

Estimating Your Funding

Use our funding calculator to estimate the amount your family might receive. For homeschool, the amount is $2,000 per eligible child.

For local context, see our city pages: Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Lubbock, and Corpus Christi.

Frequently Asked Questions (Homeschool)

How much does TEFA pay for homeschool students?

Homeschool students receive $2,000 per year for the 2026-27 school year. This amount is fixed and does not vary by income or other factors.

Can I use TEFA funds to pay myself for teaching my child?

No. Funds may not be used to pay a family member for services. You cannot receive payment from the TEFA account for teaching your own child.

What can homeschool TEFA funds be used for?

Approved expenses include textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, online courses, tutoring, educational therapies, academic assessments, and computer hardware or software (up to 10% of the annual amount). All purchases must be made through the TEFA marketplace from approved providers.

Do I need to register my homeschool with the state to get TEFA?

Texas does not require homeschool families to register with the state. TEFA eligibility does not add registration requirements. You must, however, meet the program's eligibility requirements and apply through the official portal.

If my child has an IEP, do they get more than $2,000 for homeschool?

The $30,000 amount applies to children with an IEP who attend an approved private school or pre-K/kindergarten program. Homeschool students receive $2,000 regardless of disability status. If you are considering private school for a child with an IEP, see our special needs funding page.