St. Philips Episcopal School
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
School Choice in Texas: TEFA at St. Philip’s Episcopal School
A new path for Texas families to fund private education is coming soon. Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), sometimes called Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), will allow eligible parents to direct state-managed funds toward approved education expenses, including tuition at qualifying private schools like St. Philip’s Episcopal School.
Through TEFA, families are expected to receive around $10,000 per student, per year, with students with disabilities eligible for up to $30,000 annually for specialized instruction or services, based on state guidelines and individual needs.
TEFA/ESA funds can be applied to a wide range of state-approved education costs, such as:
- Tuition and required fees at eligible private schools
- Uniforms, books, and curriculum
- Technology, devices, and approved educational software
- Tutoring, educational therapies, and assessments
- Transportation and other special services connected to schooling
Eligibility & Required Documents
Who’s Eligible for TEFA?
Eligibility for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is defined by state law and administered by the Texas Comptroller.
In general, to qualify for TEFA/ESA:
- The student must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a resident of Texas.
- The student must be eligible to attend a Texas public school (including district, charter, or applicable pre-K).
- The student may not be enrolled full-time in a Texas public or charter school while using TEFA funds.
If the number of applicants exceeds available spots, the state may prioritize:
- Students with disabilities
- Students from households under 200% of the federal poverty level
- Students from households under 500% of the federal poverty level
- Other eligible students as space allows
St. Philip’s does not decide who receives TEFA funds; all funding and eligibility decisions are made by the State of Texas.
TEFA Application Document Checklist
Before starting your TEFA/ESA application, gather documents commonly requested for state education savings accounts:
- Proof of Texas residency: current Texas driver’s license, state ID, lease, or recent utility bill
- Proof of income (for priority tiers): recent tax return or pay stubs
- Student identity documents: birth certificate or passport
- Immunization records or approved exemption forms
- For students with disabilities: documentation such as an IEP, medical diagnosis, or SSI/SSDI eligibility letter
- Enrollment / acceptance documentation: admissions acceptance or enrollment verification from an approved private school (such as St. Philip’s Episcopal School)
Family Checklist: How to Apply & Enroll
- Review TEFA eligibility.
Read through state guidelines and confirm that your student meets the basic requirements. - Gather required documents.
Collect proof of residency, income (if needed), student identification, and any disability documentation. - Apply for admission to St. Philip’s Episcopal School.
You can apply to St. Philip’s before, during, or after your TEFA application. Applying early helps ensure space in your desired grade level. - Submit your TEFA/ESA application.
When the Texas Comptroller opens the ESA/TEFA portal, complete the online application. - Follow up on your TEFA decision.
Once the state notifies you of approval and funding, you will receive instructions on how to direct funds to your child’s school. - Coordinate tuition with St. Philip’s.
After you’re awarded funds, our office will help you apply TEFA/ESA funding toward St. Philip’s tuition and fees, and finalize your tuition agreement and start date.
Small “pro tip” note:
Apply for admission to St. Philip’s early so your child’s seat is reserved before the peak TEFA application season.
Apply to St. Philip’s Episcopal School
2026 TEFA Application & Funding Timeline
TEFA implementation is being phased in statewide. The key dates below reflect the current understanding of the law and public guidance; always confirm details on the Texas Comptroller’s official TEFA/ESA page.
Exact dates and details are set by the State of Texas and may change. St. Philip’s will update families as new information becomes available.
Visit Official TEFA Information
How TEFA Funds Work
TEFA/ESA awards are designed to help families customize their child’s education:
- Private school students: estimated around $10,000 per student, per year when enrolled in an eligible private school.
- Students with disabilities: may receive up to $30,000 per year, depending on their level of need and services.
Funds are held in a state-managed account and typically disbursed in increments throughout the school year. In many cases, unused funds can roll over to the following year, subject to state rules.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Learn how Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), also called Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), can help your family choose St. Philip’s Episcopal School in Beeville, Texas. This new school choice program will allow eligible families to use state-managed funds for private education, including tuition and fees at qualifying private schools.
TEFA is a statewide program administered by the Texas Comptroller. Details may change as state rules are finalized. Always refer to the official Texas TEFA/ESA website for the most current information.
Apply to St. Philip’s Episcopal SchoolSchedule a TEFA Consultation & Campus TourView TEFA FAQs
St. Philip’s & TEFA Participation
St. Philip’s Episcopal School is preparing to participate in TEFA/ESA as an eligible private school provider while preserving our mission and Episcopal identity.
St. Philip’s:
- Is accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), a TEPSAC-approved agency recognized by the Commissioner of Education.
- Has been serving Beeville and surrounding communities since 1954, with a strong reputation for academic and spiritual formation.
- Maintains rigorous academic standards and offers a Christ-centered environment where faith and learning are integrated.
Our team will:
- Share updates with families as TEFA implementation details are finalized.
- Help you understand how TEFA may combine with existing scholarships or school-based financial assistance.
- Answer questions about how to plan tuition using a mix of TEFA funds and other resources.
Contact info
St. Philip’s Episcopal School
105 N. Adams St, Beeville, Texas 78102
Phone: (361) 358-6242
Website: www.spepiscopalschool.org
Start Your St. Philip’s Admissions Application
Begin your child’s journey at St. Philip’s Episcopal School by completing our online application. Our admissions team will walk alongside you at each step.
Apply to St. Philip’s Episcopal School
Visit our Beeville campus, see classrooms in action, and experience chapel life to get a feel for our Christ-centered community and small-class environment.
Schedule a Tour & TEFA Conversation
Learn more about tuition, payment plans, and scholarship opportunities—and see how TEFA funding might fit into your family’s overall plan.
A Community Where Children Flourish
“St. Philip’s has been a wonderful place for our children. They are growing academically and spiritually in a safe, encouraging community that truly knows them.”
Discover Our Programs
St. Philip’s Episcopal School blends strong academics, Christian formation, and a warm school community to help students grow in scholarship, character, and spiritual formation.
Students at St. Philip’s benefit from:
- A solid academic foundation in core subjects
- Opportunities for enrichment, service, and leadership
- Active partnerships with families and the local community
Important Disclaimer
This page summarizes current public information about the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA/ESA) program and how it may relate to St. Philip’s Episcopal School in Beeville, Texas. Program rules, eligibility criteria, award amounts, and implementation timelines are determined by the State of Texas and are subject to change as regulations are finalized.
For the most up-to-date and official information:
- Visit the Texas Comptroller’s ESA/TEFA website.
- Review current guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Private Schools Association.