School Choice in Texas: TEFA/ESA at Holy Cross of San Antonio

A new path to fund private education for Texas families begins for the 2026-2027 school year!

The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA), sometimes called an Education Savings Account (ESA), allows parents to use a portion of state education funds to pay for private school tuition and other approved educational expenses.

Families may receive around $10,000 per student, and eligible students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000 for specialized instruction or services.

Funds can be used for:

• Private school tuition and fees
• Uniforms, books, and technology
• Tutoring, assessments, and therapies
• Transportation and special services

How Funds Work

• Private school students: Approx. $10,000 per student, per year
• Students with disabilities: Up to $30,000 (based on diagnosis/IEP)

Funds are placed into a state-managed account and distributed quarterly. Unused funds may roll over into the next school year.

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA/ESA):

• The student must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of Texas.
• The student must be eligible to attend public school in Texas.
• The student cannot be enrolled full-time in a public or charter school while receiving ESA funds.

Because the TEFA program may have more applicants than available funds, students are grouped into four tiers or prioritization categories.

• These tiers determine the order in which applications are considered:

Tiers for Funding

Texas ESA Income Guidelines

Required Documents for TEFA Application

Before you begin your TEFA/ESA application, gather the following:

• Proof of Residency: Current Texas driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill
• Proof of Income: Recent tax return or pay stubs (for priority tiers)
• Student Birth Certificate or Passport
• Immunization Records
• For Students with Disabilities: Documentation such as an IEP, medical diagnosis, or SSI/SSDI eligibility letter
• Enrollment Verification: Admission acceptance or enrollment form from an approved private school (such as Holy Cross of San Antonio)

Family Checklist: How to Apply & Enroll

Step 1: Review eligibility requirements and confirm you’re qualified.
Step 2: Gather all required documentation listed above.
Step 3: Apply for admission to Holy Cross of San Antonio (you may do this before or after your TEFA application).
Step 4: The Texas Comptroller’s TEFA/ESA portal opens on February 4, 2026 (link coming soon). 
Step 5: Once approved, you’ll receive instructions to allocate funds toward your child’s Holy Cross tuition and expenses.
Step 6: Confirm your child’s spot at Holy Cross and submit your enrollment packet (tuition agreement included).

Pro Tip: Apply for Holy Cross admission early so your spot is reserved before the TEFA/ESA application window opens.

Interested in Joining the Knight Family?

If you're considering Holy Cross for the upcoming school year, we’d love to connect with you! Explore the links below to learn more about admissions, tuition, and other financial assistance opportunities.

Angelica Garza, M.A. '07
Director of Admissions
210-433-2178
agarza@holycross-sa.org