TEFA for Preschool & Pre-K at INIC Preschool

Texas Education Freedom Accounts can be used prekindergarten, including Pre K3 and Pre K4 age groups in Austin and Round Rock

What is TEFA for Austin and Round Rock Preschools?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) help eligible families use state-managed funds for approved education expenses. Funding includes private preschool and pre-kindergarten (Pre-K / PK3 / PK4) tuition at participating schools like INIC Preschool- up to $10,474 per student.

At INIC Preschool, TEFA funds may be applied only to qualifying early-childhood programs, specifically preschool and pre-K. TEFA rules do not allow funds to be used for infants or toddlers at this time.

Families exploring TEFA often combine funding questions with broader decisions about program quality, curriculum, and school fit. This page explains how TEFA works and how it aligns with INIC’s approach to early childhood education.

TEFA has been known by several names as the program has evolved:

  • School voucher law

  • Education Freedom Accounts (EFA)

  • Education Savings Accounts (ESA)

Campus authorization

TEFA Participation Status at Each INIC Campus Location

  • INIC Austin: Fully authorized and certified to accept TEFA funding for qualifying preschool and pre-K (PK3 / PK4) programs

  • INIC Round Rock: Currently in the TEFA certification process for qualifying preschool and pre-K (PK3 / PK4) programs

Families are encouraged to book a tour online or contact us to discuss campus-specific availability and timelines.

See application steps & link below

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn”
— Ignacio Estrada

TEFA Timline - What Families Should Expect in 2026

Legislative Background & Current Status

The Texas Education Freedom Accouns program was passed by the Texas Legislature in May 2025 and signed into law by Greg Abbott in June 2025 as part of Senate Bill 2.

While the statutory framework is now law, the exact mechanics of how the system operates in practice - including application workflows, prioritization, and fund disbursement - continue to be finalized and refined by the State of Texas.

Families are encouraged to book a tour online or contact us to discuss campus-specific availability and timelines.

1. Apply: TEFA Application Window

The State of Texas has announced that the initial TEFA family application window opens on February 4, 2026 and closes in mid-March 2026. Applications are not first-come, first-served, and eligibility does not guarantee funding. If applications exceed available funding under the State’s TEFA budget, some otherwise eligible families may not receive funds.

See application steps and link below. .

📌 Source (official announcement):
Texas Comptroller press release – “Texas Education Freedom Account family applications open…”
https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/media-center/news/20260128-texas-education-freedom-account-family-applications-open-one-week-from-today-1769617667460

2. Eligibility Review & Notifications

According to the TEFA program timeline, funding notifications are expected to begin in early April 2026, following state review and prioritization. Eligibility does not guarantee funding.

📌 Source (program timeline):
Official TEFA portal – Timeline & Program Overview
https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/program-overview/

3. Funds Become Available

For families who are awarded TEFA funding, the state has outlined a phased release schedule:

  • July 1, 2026 – At least 25% of awarded funds become available

  • October 1, 2026 – At least 50% of funds become available

  • April 1, 2027 – Remaining funds become available

📌 Source (funding schedule):
Official TEFA portal – Funding Availability & Disbursement
https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/funding/

When TEFA Funds Can Be Used

Once funds are released, families may begin using TEFA dollars for state-approved educational expenses, including qualifying preschool and pre-kindergarten (Pre-K / PK3 / PK4) tuition, subject to eligibility rules and provider participation.

Approved uses and restrictions are governed by TEFA administrative rules and published guidance.

📌 Source (approved uses):
Official TEFA portal – Allowable Expenses
https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/allowable-expenses/

Authoritative Sources & Citations

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How to Apply for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

  1. Visit the official TEFA website administered by the State of Texas

  2. Create a family account and complete the application

  3. Upload required documentation (residency, age, eligibility criteria)

  4. Monitor notifications from the state

  5. If approved, select INIC Preschool as your participating provider (for qualifying age groups)

Apply for TEFA Here

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

  • INIC Preschool – Austin is fully authorized and certified to accept Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) funding for qualifying early-childhood programs, including preschool and pre-kindergarten (Pre-K / PK3 / PK4).

    INIC Preschool – Round Rock is currently completing the TEFA certification process for its preschool and pre-K programs. Based on the State’s implementation timeline, Round Rock is expected to be fully verified by the time families are able to access and use TEFA funds, assuming final state approval.

    TEFA certification and participation status are determined by the program administrator under the oversight of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and families are encouraged to confirm current status as funding windows approach.

  • Yes. These terms are often used interchangeably:

    • Pre-K

    • Pre-Kindergarten

    • PK3

    • PK4

    All refer to qualifying early-childhood programs for TEFA use at INIC.

  • Up to $10,474 per child, subject to state rules, eligibility, and final award determination.

  • Eligibility, prioritization, and approved uses are determined by the State of Texas through the TEFA program administrator - not by INIC.

    • TEFA funding is limited by the State’s overall program budget

    • Eligibility does not guarantee an award

    • If applications exceed available funding, some eligible families may not receive funding

    • Final award amounts, approved uses, and disbursement schedules are determined by the State—not by individual schools

  • TEFA funds may be used only for state-approved educational expenses. Approved uses are defined by the State of Texas and may include:

    • Tuition and eligible fees at participating private preschools and pre-kindergarten programs (Pre-K, PK3, PK4)

    • Required uniforms

    • Textbooks and instructional materials

    • Curriculum and educational supplies

    • Academic tutoring

    • Educational therapies not covered by other government programs (such as Medicaid)

    • Transportation to and from an approved provider

    • Technology and devices used for educational purposes (subject to state limits)

    Not all expenses are automatically approved, and some categories have caps or restrictions. Final determinations about allowable expenses are made by the State through the TEFA program.

    For the most current and complete list, families should always refer to the official TEFA guidance published by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

  • approved families are given access to TEFA funds through a state-managed account or payment system. Eligible expenses are paid directly from the TEFA account according to state rules and approved providers.

    Key points to know:

    • Families generally do not pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement

    • Funds are accessed through the official TEFA platform and its approved payment process

    • Payments to participating schools (such as INIC Preschool) are made according to TEFA disbursement rules and timing

    • Funds are released in phases throughout the year, not all at once

    Exact payment mechanics, timing, and workflows are set by the State and may continue to evolve as TEFA is implemented.

    Families should monitor their TEFA account and official state communications for instructions on accessing and using funds.

Ready to Learn More & Apply to INIC Preschool?

If you’re exploring TEFA and want to see whether INIC is the right fit for your child:

Book Tour Online in Less Than a Minute

How Much TEFA Funding Can I Receive for Each of My Children?

The amount of Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) funding a family may receive is determined per child, based on the child’s educational setting and eligibility category. Funding amounts are set by the State of Texas and administered through the official TEFA program.

Important limitations

  • TEFA applies only to preschool and pre-K programs at INIC

  • TEFA does not apply to baby or toddler programs at this time, per TEFA rules

  • Final eligibility and approved expenses are determined by the state - not by INIC

Using TEFA does not change the educational experience at INIC. All students participate in the same robust curriculum, classroom structure, and enrichment programs.

Book A Tour Online Here

Preschool & Pre-K (Private School / Early Childhood Programs)

For children enrolled in an approved private preschool or pre-kindergarten program (including Preschool, Pre-K, PK3, and PK4), the State has indicated that TEFA funding is calculated as a percentage of statewide average public school funding.

For the 2026–2027 school year, this amount is expected to be approximately:

  • Up to $10,474 per child, subject to state rules, eligibility, and final award determination

This funding may be used toward eligible preschool or pre-K tuition and approved fees at participating providers, such as INIC Preschool, for qualifying age groups.

Students with Disabilities

Children with qualifying disabilities and an approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) on file with the State may be eligible for higher TEFA funding amounts.

For eligible students, funding may be:

  • Up to $30,000 per child, depending on the student’s needs and state approval

Approved uses and documentation requirements are determined by the state.

Public SChool & Homeschool

Children who are not enrolled in a private school, preschool, or pre-K program may be eligible for a smaller annual amount intended for supplemental educational expenses.

  • Up to $2,000 per child per year, based on current state guidance

Families with Multiple Children

TEFA funding is awarded per eligible child, not per household. This means families with more than one qualifying child may receive separate awards for each child, provided each child meets eligibility requirements and funding is available.

Important Notes About Funding Amounts

  • TEFA funding is limited by the State’s overall program budget

  • Eligibility does not guarantee an award

  • If applications exceed available funding, some eligible families may not receive funding

  • Final award amounts, approved uses, and disbursement schedules are determined by the State—not by individual schools

Official Source for Funding Amounts

All TEFA funding levels, eligibility rules, and updates are published through the official state portal administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts:

👉 https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/

Families are encouraged to review the state’s guidance directly for the most current and authoritative information..

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Book A Tour Online Here

Do I Qualify for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)?

Many families ask whether they qualify for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). While final eligibility is determined by the State of Texas, the information below can help you understand whether your child may be eligible.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Your child may qualify for TEFA if all of the following apply:

  • Your child is a Texas resident

  • Your child is eligible to attend a Texas public school or eligible for Texas public Pre-K

  • Your child is enrolled in (or plans to enroll in) a qualifying program, such as:

    • Preschool

    • Pre-K / Pre-Kindergarten

    • PK3

    • PK4

  • You apply through the official state TEFA portal

Families With Multiple Children

TEFA eligibility and funding are determined per child, not per family.
This means families with more than one qualifying child may apply separately for each child, subject to state rules and funding availability.

Important Things to Know

  • TEFA funding is limited by the State’s overall budget

  • If applications exceed available funding, some eligible families may not receive an award

  • Eligibility, prioritization, and final approval are determined by the State—not by individual schools

  • INIC Preschool cannot determine eligibility or submit applications on a family’s behalf

How to Check Your Eligibility or Apply

All eligibility determinations and applications must be completed through the official state portal administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts:

👉 https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/

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Why Families Use TEFA at INIC Preschool

While TEFA can help with affordability, families choose INIC for educational quality, transparency, and whole-child development.

(Click here to learn more about the surprising benefits of language immersion)

Robust, research-informed curriculum

INIC offers a robust evidence-based curriculum designed to support early literacy, math readiness, executive function, and curiosity through purposeful play and guided learning.

Strong social-emotional foundations

Preschool and pre-K are critical years for emotional regulation, peer interaction, and confidence. INIC intentionally integrates social-emotional readiness into daily classroom life.

Spanish immersion benefits

Many TEFA-eligible families value early bilingual exposure. INIC’s Spanish immersion program supports cognitive development, cultural awareness, and long-term language acquisition.

Transparency and family connection

Families can view classrooms through live cameras accessible to parents, supporting trust, communication, and peace of mind.

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