What to Do If Your Private School Doesn’t Accept TEFA Vouchers (Texas Parent Guide)
- Accessible Education
- Jan 9
- 6 min read
You've checked the Texas TEFA School Finder, and your child's private school isn't on the list. Perhaps you've spoken with the administration, and they're unsure if they'll participate. Or maybe they've said they have no plans to apply at all.
Before you feel discouraged, take a deep breath. Your family can still benefit from TEFA, and there's a good chance your school's participation status could change.
Can You Still Apply for TEFA If Your School Doesn’t Accept Vouchers?
Even if your child's private school isn't approved as a TEFA vendor, you should absolutely still apply for the program.
TEFA Funding for Parents at Non-Participating Private Schools ($2,000 Option)
Families whose children are homeschooled or attend private schools that don't accept TEFA vouchers are eligible for $2,000 in annual funding. While this amount is significantly less than the $10,474 available to students attending approved private schools, it can still meaningfully support your child's education.
What Parents Can Use TEFA Funds For If Their School Doesn’t Participate
Here's the important part: This $2,000 cannot be used for tuition at your non-participating private school. However, it can be used for a wide range of other approved educational expenses through TEFA's vendor marketplace, including:
Private tutoring services in core subjects, test prep, or specialized academic support
Educational therapy services such as reading intervention, math support, or executive function coaching
Enrichment programs, including music lessons, art instruction, STEM programs, or foreign language courses
Online courses and programs for credit recovery, advanced learning, or skill development
Educational materials such as curriculum, textbooks, and required supplies
Academic assessments and evaluations to identify learning needs or track progress
Technology such as laptops, tablets, or educational software (up to 10% of your annual funding, or $200)
How Parents Use $2,000 in TEFA Funds: Real-World Examples
Think about how you could strategically use this funding:
Supplementing a strong school with specialized support: Your child excels at their private school but struggles with reading comprehension. Use the $2,000 for weekly tutoring sessions with a certified reading specialist.
Filling gaps in the curriculum: Your school doesn't offer foreign language instruction. Use the funds for Spanish or Mandarin lessons with an approved online program or private tutor.
Supporting a twice-exceptional learner: Your gifted child with ADHD needs executive function coaching to stay organized and manage their workload. The $2,000 can cover this specialized support.
Building homeschool enrichment: If your child is homeschooled, use the funds for co-op classes, educational assessments, online courses, and curriculum materials.
Even modest funding, when strategically allocated, can provide resources that would otherwise be out of reach or require significant out-of-pocket expense.
How Parents Can Encourage a Private School to Accept TEFA Vouchers
The vendor application process for TEFA is rolling, which means schools can apply at any time, not just during the February-March parent application window. Your advocacy today could result in your school becoming approved before the 2026-27 school year begins, potentially increasing your funding from $2,000 to $10,474.
What to Say When Asking Your Private School to Apply for TEFA
When talking to school leadership about TEFA participation, frame the conversation around benefits to the school and the broader school community.
Start with curiosity and information-gathering: "I'm excited about the new TEFA program and wondered if [School Name] is planning to apply to become an approved vendor. Have you had a chance to look into it?"
Share the business case:
"Accepting TEFA could make our school accessible to more families who share our values but might not otherwise be able to afford tuition."
"Since other private schools in the area are applying, participating in TEFA could help us remain competitive and potentially increase enrollment."
"The application process is open on a rolling basis, so schools can apply at any time."
Offer to help or connect them with resources:
Point them to the School Finder to see which local schools are already participating
Let them know that new schools are being added regularly, and early approval means early visibility to TEFA families
If your school needs professional support: Some schools may want to participate but feel uncertain about the approval process, compliance requirements, or operational implementation. If your administration seems interested but hesitant, you can let them know that Accessible Education offers consulting services specifically for private schools preparing for TEFA approval.
Why Some Private Schools May Hesitate to Accept TEFA (and How Parents Can Respond)
Some schools may have legitimate concerns about participation:
Uncertainty about eligibility and compliance requirements
Questions about maintaining mission and autonomy
Concerns about operational capacity
If your school is on the fence, sharing success stories from other schools or connecting them with professional consulting support can help address these concerns. Remember, vendor applications are rolling, so even if they're not ready to apply right now, they could change their mind as they see other schools successfully participating.
How Parent Interest Can Influence TEFA Participation
You're probably not the only family at your school interested in TEFA, so consider:
Talking with other parents about the program
Asking the school to host an information session
Sharing resources from the Comptroller's office with your parent community
The more families who express interest, the stronger the business case for your school's participation.
TEFA Application Strategy for Parents Whose Schools Don’t Accept Vouchers
Whether your school participates or not, you need to apply during the February 4 - March 17, 2026 window.
What Parents Should Do Before the TEFA Application Opens
Check the School Finder regularly to see if your school's status changes (new schools are added as they're approved)
Gather your documentation following the Comptroller's Parent Application Checklist
Research approved vendors in the TEFA marketplace, so you know how you'd use $2,000 funding if needed
Talk to your school administration about their participation timeline
Consider whether you need special education advocacy support if your child might qualify for the higher disability funding tier
How to Apply for TEFA When Your School Isn’t Approved
Apply regardless of your school's status; you can always update your educational plan later if your school becomes approved
Be strategic about your application. If your child has a disability, make sure their IEP is on file with TEA before the deadline
Understand the lottery system, funding isn't guaranteed, but families with lower incomes and students with disabilities receive priority
What Happens After TEFA Approval If Your School Status Changes
Stay flexible. If your school becomes approved after you've been allocated $2,000, contact Odyssey about potentially adjusting your funding tier for future years
Explore the vendor marketplace and begin identifying services that support your child's needs
Think long-term, unused funds roll over, and once you're in the program, you don't need to reapply each year
Bottom Line: Parents Should Apply for TEFA Even If Their School Doesn’t Accept Vouchers
Here's what you need to remember:
You can still receive $2,000 annually even if your child's school doesn't participate
That $2,000 can fund valuable educational services like tutoring, therapy, and enrichment
Vendor applications are rolling, so your school's status could change at any time
Your advocacy matters; schools respond to parent interest and demand
Professional support is available for both families and schools navigating TEFA
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is designed to give families educational options and flexibility. Even if your first-choice school isn't participating yet, you have pathways to access support for your child's education.
Don't wait for perfect circumstances. Apply during the February-March window, advocate for your school's participation, and make strategic use of whatever funding you receive. Your child's educational journey deserves every opportunity available.
Ready to develop a strategic plan for your TEFA funds? Whether you're working with $2,000 or $10,474, Accessible Education can help you identify the right schools, vendors, and services for your child's unique needs. Learn more about our family consulting services.
Is your school considering TEFA participation?
We offer comprehensive consulting for private schools navigating the approval process, compliance requirements, and operational implementation. Contact us to discuss how we can help.
