Who can apply
A school accredited by a TEPSAC-recognized organization or by TEA, in operation for at least two school years, that gives participating students in grades 3-12 a nationally norm-referenced test every year. A virtual school must keep a Texas office.
Pricing rules
A participating school charges TEFA families its standard tuition, keeps its sibling, staff and church-member discounts in place, and puts in writing how its need-based aid relates to tuition.
How money arrives
Private-school accounts are funded 25% on July 1, 25% on October 1 and 50% on February 1, and the school is paid through Odyssey. Families can prepay, and any refund goes back to the account.
Pre-K centers
A licensed child care center in good standing qualifies with one quality credential: Texas Rising Star at 3 stars or more, Texas School Ready, a district pre-K partnership, or recognized accreditation.
Well-known schools outside the program
Several prominent Dallas schools, including Hockaday, St. Mark's, Greenhill, Parish Episcopal and the Episcopal School of Dallas, stayed out in year one, according to People Newspapers and D Magazine. A qualifying school can apply at any time; joining lets families apply $10,474, or more with an IEP, toward tuition.
Your listing here
Every school in the state finder or the federal private school survey for our six counties already has a listing. Claim yours to add tuition, which fees the account can pay, your aid programs and an admissions contact.