A New Frontier: TEFA, SVPS, and You
Texas families are entering a new era of educational choice. With the launch of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), parents now have greater control over how and where their children learn, opening doors to private education pathways that better meet individual student needs.
At Stellar Virtual Private School (SVPS), we believe education should be flexible, engaging, and student-centered. In this guide, we’ll explain how Texas Education Freedom Accounts work, who is eligible, what the funds can be used for, and why a we’re an ideal option for families seeking a high-quality learning experience.
What Are Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts are a new type of education savings account created by the Texas Legislature to give families more control over their child’s education. Instead of all public education funds being limited to traditional school districts, TEFA allows eligible families to receive state-allocated funds in a dedicated account that can be used for approved educational expenses.
The goal of TEFA is simple: empower families to choose the education that best fits their child. As an organization dedicated to empowering families, we’re excited to see this opportunity soar.
Learn more at the official TEFA site: https://educationfreedom.texas.gov
Who Is Eligible for TEFA?
Eligibility for TEFA is intentionally broad, making the program accessible to many families across the state. A student must:
Be a Texas resident
Be eligible to enroll in a Texas public school
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
This means students currently attending public schools, private schools, or learning at home may all qualify.
Applications are now open for the 2026–27 school year, and close on March 17th 2026. With a quick turn around and limited funds, make sure you apply now!
How Much Funding Do Families Receive?
The amount of TEFA funding depends on the student’s educational :
Private school students, including online private schools like Stellar, may receive up to 85% of the statewide average per-student public school funding. This is applicable to families who intend on sending their child to a private school if they’re currently in public school.
Students with disabilities may qualify for additional funding based on services outlined in their IEP
Homeschooled students may receive a smaller annual amount for approved educational expenses
Unused funds may roll over year-to-year as long as the student remains eligible.
What Can Texas Education Freedom Account Funds Be Used For?
One of the most powerful aspects of TEFA is its flexibility. This flexibility allows families to build an education plan that aligns with their child’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Approved expenses include:
🎓 Education & Instruction
Private school tuition and fees for TEFA approved schools
Dual-credit or career-focused coursework
TEFA Approved online classes and learning platforms
📚 Academic Materials
Textbooks and curriculum
Instructional supplies
Testing and assessment fees
🧠 Student Support
Tutoring and academic intervention
Educational therapies and specialized services
Technology such as computers or software (within program limits)
Why Choose Stellar Virtual Private School?
Choosing how to use your TEFA funds is a big decision. At Stellar Virtual Private School, we’re proud to offer a learning environment that aligns perfectly with the goals of education freedom.
A Personalized, Student-Centered Approach
Stellar Virtual Private School is designed for students who benefit from:
Individualized pacing and flexible scheduling
Small class sizes and meaningful teacher interaction
A structured yet adaptable virtual learning environment
Our online model allows students to move forward with confidence—whether they’re accelerating academically, balancing extracurricular commitments, or learning best from home.
Private Education Without Limits
With TEFA, families aren’t limited by local options. Stellar serves students anywhere in Texas, providing access to a private education experience without long commutes or relocation.
Using TEFA funds for online private school tuition helps families invest in academic excellence while maintaining flexibility and affordability.
Support Beyond the Classroom
At SVPS, education goes beyond coursework. Families receive:
Dedicated academic guidance
Ongoing communication and progress monitoring
Career planning and pathways built into the curriculum
A supportive virtual community that values connection and collaboration
We partner with families to ensure students are not only learning—but thriving.
No Additional Cost After TEFA Funds
For many private schools, TEFA will only cover a portion of tuition costs while the rest falls on families. But we’ve taken care to ensure our private school is as affordable as it is accessible. With SVPS, you can have the best of both worlds: a high-quality education with funds to spare!
Application Tips for Texas Families
If you’re planning to apply for TEFA, here are a few helpful steps:
Mark application deadlines early: The application is now open, but funds are limited. So the sooner families apply, the more likely they are to
Application Due: March 17th 2026
Gather documentation: These are TEFA-specific documents required for the application. Most documents will be submitted digitally, so be prepared with clear image files that are not cropped.
Proof of Texas Residency
Parent ID or Driver's License
Parent’s 1040 U.S. Tax Return for 2024 or 2025.
Parent Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer ID
Child SSN
Child Student ID: Districts may require you to appear in person with approved state ID to get your child’s student ID number.
Choose and apply to a participating school: The TEFA application requires families to indicate their chosen private school as soon as possible, so make sure that you’ve completed your private school application as well as the TEFA application. Unlike many other private schools, Stellar Virtual has unlimited seats and no waiting list.
Even if you choose a different school, Stellar Virtual Private School is committed to helping families understand the application process so that they can choose the path that’s best for their child.
A New Chapter in Texas Education
Texas Education Freedom Accounts represent a meaningful shift toward parent-driven education. Families now have the opportunity to design an education experience that reflects their child’s needs and goals so they can grow to their full potential.
We’re honored to support Texas families as they explore this new opportunity. If you’re interested in learning more about Stellar Virtual Private School, feel free to check out our website, take a look at our Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, or reach out to an enrollment specialist by calling (915)-306-3446.
We hope to see you soon!
