TEFA 2027–28 dates and how to apply
When to apply for Texas Education Freedom Accounts for the 2027–28 school year, and how to get ready now. Updated November 2, 2026.
What's next
- Now: Join the state's interest list for 2027–28 updates. Official source: educationfreedom.texas.gov
- January 2027: The Texas Legislature begins its 2027 session. Funding for the program after 2026–27 depends on the budget it passes. Source: choicefunded.com
- Early 2027 (expected): The 2027–28 application window is expected to open around the same time as last year. This is an estimate, not an announced date. Source: learner.com
Already have a TEFA account?
You don't need to reapply. The official TEFA site says participants who remain in good standing don't reapply each year. Returning students go ahead of new applicants, as long as spaces are available. Watch for any confirmation step during the 2027–28 application period, and keep your child out of Texas public and charter schools, since re-enrolling ends eligibility.
New to TEFA? Get ready now
- Join the official interest list for 2027–28 updates.
- Decide on a track. Homeschool students receive $2,000 a year, and private school students receive more but must enroll in an approved school. Compare the two tracks.
- Gather your paperwork. Priority last year depended on household income and disability, so have recent income records ready, and a current IEP if your child has one. Source: Odyssey help center: how students are prioritized
- Sketch your year in the $2,000 planner so you're ready to buy as soon as funds arrive.
- Browse approved homeschool vendors and read what TEFA can pay for.
Last year's timeline (2026–27)
The 2027–28 schedule may differ, but last year shows roughly when each step happens.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2026 | Applications opened for 2026–27. Source |
| March 31, 2026 | Applications closed, after the original March 17 deadline was extended. More than 274,000 applications were received. Source |
| April–May 2026 | Awards were made by priority group, with a lottery where there were more applicants than funding. Source |
| June 15, 2026 | Deadline for homeschool families to opt in to receive funding on July 1. Source |
| July 1, 2026 | Homeschool accounts received the full $2,000. Nearly 73,000 accounts were funded that day. Source |
Common questions
When does the TEFA 2027–28 application open?
The state has not announced 2027–28 dates as of November 2, 2026. Last year, applications opened on February 4 and closed on March 31.
Do I need to reapply if my child already has a TEFA account?
No. The official TEFA site says participants who remain in good standing do not need to reapply each year. Returning students are placed ahead of new applicants, as long as spaces are available.
Is TEFA first come, first served?
No. Last year, awards were made by priority group, and a lottery was used where there were more applicants than funding. Awards depended on priority group and the lottery, not on how early in the window a family applied.
How do I get notified when the dates are announced?
Join the official interest list on the TEFA families page, and sign up for our email below. We send one short email when dates change.
Get the 2027–28 dates when they are announced
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