School Choice in Texas: What Senate Bill 2 and the TEFA Program Mean for Families

How Trinity Classical School is Responding

At TCS, we see this as both a gift and a responsibility. We are excited to welcome families who previously could not afford classical Christian education, but we are also thoughtful about how this program affects our long-term stability.

    • Board Review & Policy Approval – Our school Board has carefully reviewed the TEFA program and has determined that TCS will officially participate. Based on experience in other states, we anticipate that most accredited private schools will also opt in.

    • Maintaining Cultural Integrity – Accepting TEFA funds will not change our admissions process. Families must still go through interviews, demonstrate alignment with our mission, and show readiness to engage in a classical Christian education.

    • Enrollment Planning – While TEFA could bring increased demand, TCS is committed to measured growth.

    • Affordability & Fairness – Tuition will continue to be based on the real cost of running our school, not on the availability of TEFA funds. The law prevents schools from charging TEFA families higher tuition, and TCS has no plans to raise tuition rates simply because TEFA funding exists.

  • March 17, 2026: Applications for families are due.

  • The week of April 6: Families are notified whether they qualify and how much funding they will receive.

  • July 2026: TEFA funds begin applying to tuition and other expenses for the 2026–2027 school year.

How Qualification is Determined

All families interested in TEFA funding will apply at the same time when the application window opens. The state will then review applications and determine eligibility.

  • Step 1: Apply

    Parents submit an application through the state’s TEFA portal by March 17

    Step 2: Provide Financial Documents

    Step 3: Sorting into Priority Groups

    Step 4: Notification

Who Qualifies for TEFA Funding?

SB2 establishes four tiers of priority for distributing funds so that families with the greatest need are first in line for available benefits.

  • Families earning less than 500% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (~$160,750 for a household of four).
    An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or diagnosis from a qualified professional (like a licensed diagnostician) is needed to qualify in this category.
    Must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place if parents want to qualify for additional funds beyond the $10,474 annually.
    May receive up to $30,000 per year depending on need.

  • Families of four earning less than ~$64,300.
    Students may receive $10,474 annually.

  • Families of four earning between ~$64,300 and $160,750.
    Students may qualify for $10,474 annually.

  • Households earning above $160,750.
    Still eligible, but priority is given first to students not already in private school

Importantly, once a family qualifies and is awarded funds, they do not have to reapply each year. The support automatically rolls forward, making it a stable, predictable benefit through high school as long as your child remains in an eligible school.

  • Understandably, many private schools are cautious about how TEFA funding might affect their independence. SB2 includes strong protections:

    • Religious autonomy is preserved. Schools are not required to change their beliefs, curriculum, or policies to participate.

    • Testing requirements remain flexible. Schools must provide “norm-referenced” testing (such as ERB CTP-5, PSAT, SAT/ACT) but are not required to use the state’s STAAR test.

    • Admissions remain independent. Private schools retain full control over admissions decisions and are not obligated to accept every TEFA recipient.

      This ensures that schools like Trinity Classical School can embrace TEFA opportunities without compromising mission or culture.