Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs)

At Inspire Academy

Inspire Academy is committed to helping families of children with learning differences access the educational options and supports their students deserve. Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs) can help make an Inspire Academy education more accessible by allowing families to use state education funds toward private school tuition and approved educational services.

What Are Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs)?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs) are state-funded education savings accounts created through the Texas Education Freedom Act. These accounts allow eligible Texas families to direct public education funds toward approved educational expenses that best meet their child’s individual learning needs.

TEFA funds may be used for private school tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, therapies, and other approved educational services.

Why TEFAs Matter for Inspire Academy Families

Inspire Academy is a Christian private school specializing in students with learning differences, including:

  • Dyslexia

  • Dysgraphia

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety and other learning challenges

  • Oral Language Processing

  • High Functioning ASD

Our school emphasizes multi-sensory instruction, differentiated teaching, small class sizes, and individualized support, helping students build confidence and academic success in a nurturing environment.

Because private schools do not receive public education funding, TEFAs provide families with greater financial flexibility to choose a school like Inspire Academy that is designed specifically for how their child learns.

Who Qualifies for TEFAs?

General Eligibility

A student may be eligible if they:

  • Are a Texas resident

  • Are eligible to attend a Texas public school

  • Are a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted resident

Students with Disabilities or Learning Differences

Students with documented disabilities may qualify for enhanced TEFA funding.

This includes students with:

  • A current Individualized Education Program (IEP)

  • Approved disability documentation or certification

Many students who attend Inspire Academy qualify under this category due to diagnosed or documented learning differences such as dyslexia or dysgraphia.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Funding amounts are determined by the state and may vary:

  • Standard TEFA Award: Based on a percentage of average public school funding (approximately $10,480)

  • Students with Disabilities: May qualify for significantly higher funding amounts (up to approximately $30,000 per year)

If applications exceed available funding, priority is given to students with disabilities and families who meet income-based criteria.

What TEFA Funds Can Be Used For at Inspire Academy

TEFA funds may be used for approved educational expenses, including:

  • Inspire Academy tuition and fees

  • Curriculum and instructional materials

  • Approved tutoring and academic support

  • Educational evaluations and therapies

  • Technology used for educational purposes

  • Transportation to approved educational providers

These uses align closely with Inspire Academy’s individualized, multi-sensory instructional approach.

How to Apply for TEFAs

Application Window

The TEFA application period typically opens in late winter or early spring for the upcoming school year (February 4th).

Application Steps

  1. Apply through the Texas Education Freedom Account portal starting February 4th

  2. Submit proof of Texas residency and eligibility

  3. Provide income information if applicable

  4. Submit IEP or disability documentation if seeking enhanced funding

Families are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as funding may be limited.

TEFAs & Special Education at Inspire Academy

Private schools are not required to provide special education services in the same manner as public schools. However, TEFA funds allow families to:

  • Choose a school designed for their child’s learning needs

  • Access approved tutoring, therapies, and interventions

  • Customize their child’s educational experience

At Inspire Academy, students benefit from individualized instruction and teacher expertise in learning differences, even without traditional public-school special education programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TEFA?

A TEFA is a state-funded education savings account that allows families to use public education funds for approved private educational expenses.

Can TEFA funds be used for Inspire Academy tuition?

Yes. TEFA funds may be used toward tuition and approved fees at Inspire Academy.

Does my child need an IEP to qualify?

An IEP is not required for basic eligibility, but students with an IEP or disability documentation may qualify for increased funding. You may need to contact your local school district to obtain an IEP for your child.

Can TEFA funds be used for tutoring or therapy?

Yes, as long as the services and providers are TEFA-approved.

Do families need to reapply every year?

Once accepted, students typically remain eligible, though families may need to complete annual confirmations.

Next Steps for Inspire Academy Families

  • Review TEFA eligibility and application timelines

  • Gather educational and disability documentation

  • Contact Inspire Academy’s admissions team with questions about enrollment or planning for TEFA funding

Inspire Academy is happy to support families as they explore TEFA funding and determine whether our school is the right fit for their child.

For additional information, please contact Inspire Academy Admissions, and we would be more than happy to help!