Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA): A Resource for Lubbock Christian School Families
Important Note from LCS: Lubbock Christian School is sharing this information as a resource for families. TEFA is a state-administered program, and all eligibility requirements, funding decisions, and approved expenses are determined by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not by LCS.
What is TEFA?
You may have heard the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) referred to as a “school voucher” program. In simple terms,
TEFA is Texas’s version of a school choice funding program. Like what many people call “vouchers,” it allows approved families to use state-provided education funds for private school tuition and other eligible educational expenses. However, instead of a traditional voucher being sent directly to a school, TEFA funds are placed into an education account that families manage and use for approved costs. Click the link to review the Official TEFA Program Page (Texas Comptroller).
Is Lubbock Christian School approved?
Yes.
Lubbock Christian School is an approved participating school in the TEFA program. This means:
• Families who are awarded TEFA funds may use those funds at LCS.
• The school meets the program’s participation requirements.
School approval does not guarantee funding. Families must apply and be approved individually by the state.
Who is TEFA for?
TEFA is designed to give families more choice and flexibility in how they fund their child’s education. Families who may want to explore TEFA include:
• Current private school families
• Families considering private education
• Families seeking assistance with tuition or educational expenses
Eligibility is determined by the state, not by Lubbock Christian School.
What can TEFA funds be used for?
In general, TEFA funds may be used for:
• Tuition at approved private schools
• Certain educational services
• Approved instructional materials or programs
The state defines and oversees all approved uses. Click the link to view the Approved Uses and Program Rules.
What if eligible applicants exceed available program funding?
For the 2026-2027 school year, applicants will be prioritized as follows:
• Children with a disability who are members of a household whose total annual income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level 1.
• Children who are members of a household whose total annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Children who are members of a household whose total annual income is between 200% and 500% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Children who are members of a household whose total annual income is at or above 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children who were enrolled in a Texas public school or charter school for at least 90% of the prior school year will be prioritized within this group. Funds for children in this category may not exceed 20 percent of the amount of money appropriated from the program fund for that school year.
How do families apply?
Application steps:
1. Families apply directly through the TEFA program.
2. Applications opened February 4 for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications close on March 17, 2026.
3. The state reviews applications and determines eligibility.
4. Approved families receive instructions for accessing and using funds.
Click here to visit the link to Apply for TEFA.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Does applying for TEFA affect enrollment at LCS?
No. Applying for or receiving TEFA funds does not affect a student’s enrollment status.
Does LCS decide who receives funds?
No. All approvals and funding decisions are made by the state.
Is TEFA guaranteed if I apply?
No. Funding depends on eligibility and state approval.
Can LCS help me apply?
LCS can share information and resources, but applications and eligibility questions must be directed to the TEFA program administrators.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, families should rely on official TEFA resources:
Texas Comptroller – TEFA Homepage
TEFA FAQs