Smart Ways to Spend TEFA Funds

The long-awaited Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)—our state’s version of an Education Savings Account (ESA)—are finally a reality for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you’ve been following the news, you know there’s been a lot of talk about "vouchers." While that’s the term often used in media coverage, TEFA functions more like a digital wallet. For most families in the homeschool community, the award is capped at $2,000 per year. If your child has a qualifying disability or an IEP, that amount can jump significantly higher, but for the general homeschool population, $2,000 is the standard allotment.

Here is how you can make those dollars work for your family without getting buried in red tape.

What Can You Buy with TEFA Funds?

Instead of a check arriving in your mailbox, your funds will live in an online portal (managed through the Odyssey platform). Think of it like a restricted digital wallet for your child's education. You’ll be able to use these funds for the "meat and potatoes" of your school year—things like your core curriculum and textbooks.

But it goes beyond just books. You can also use these funds for online subscriptions that often add up throughout the year, such as virtual math programs or digital reading libraries. If your student needs a little extra support, you can even use TEFA funds for state-certified tutors or specialized therapies. Just keep in mind that big-ticket technology like laptops or tablets is usually capped at 10% of your total fund, so you’ll want to plan those purchases carefully.

If you’re looking to cover the basics or help your teen explore their future career paths, there are several providers in the TEFA marketplace worth checking out. Savvas Learning Company is a fantastic option if you want professional-grade Digital CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses—perfect for students interested in everything from healthcare to business. Savvas also offers robust, standards-aligned programs for Pre-K through 12th grade in math and science, along with foundational phonics and handwriting resources that take the guesswork out of early elementary instruction.

For families with high school students ready for a challenge, Outlier by Savvas is a total game-changer. Its cinematic, high-quality college credit courses allow your student to complete general education requirements early. Using your TEFA funds for these types of "big picture" resources is a smart move because it bridges the gap between your home classroom and real-world career or college prep without the usual out-of-pocket cost.

Picking the Right Curriculum and Programs

Since we’re working with a $2,000 cap, this is the perfect time to "level up" your school year. Have you been eyeing one of those beautiful, all-in-one "boxed" curriculum packages that usually feel a bit too expensive? TEFA is your best friend here. You can often purchase the entire grade level—complete with all the teacher guides and manipulatives—directly through the approved marketplace.

TEFA is also a lifesaver for the high school years. If you’re feeling a little intimidated teaching lab sciences or a foreign language, you can use your funds to outsource those specific courses to online providers. It’s a great way to ensure your teen receives high-level instruction in the tough subjects, while you focus on areas where you’re most effective.

Tips for Navigating Vendors and Audits

The biggest thing to remember is that you can’t just buy a used book from a friend and ask the state to pay you back. All purchases must be made through approved vendors who are already integrated into the TEFA system.

When it comes to the "boring" stuff like paperwork, the best advice is to be a digital packrat. Even though the state pays vendors directly through the portal, you should still save every invoice and packing slip. If a state auditor ever comes calling, you’ll want to be able to show exactly how that purchase helped you teach the "Big Five" required by Texas law: Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Math, and Good Citizenship.

Is this Curriculum TEFA-ready?

Before you hit the "checkout" button in the portal, take a second to run through a quick mental checklist. First, check whether the curriculum is in a "visual form"—Texas law is specific about wanting to see books, workbooks, or digital screens.

Next, make sure the vendor is actually on the approved list in the Odyssey marketplace so you don't run into a payment issue at the last minute.

The application window for the 2026-2027 school year officially opens on February 4, 2026, so now is the perfect time to start your "wish list."

As you explore your options, you’ll likely encounter a four-letter acronym that seems to rule the Lone Star State’s education system: TEKS.

It sounds a bit like a high-tech software company, but TEKS is actually the backbone of how Texas schools operate. For many new (and even veteran) homeschoolers, TEKS can feel a bit intimidating—like a shadow over your dining room table.

Let’s break down what TEKS really are, how they relate to your homeschool, and how you can use them as a tool rather than a boss.

What TEKS Really Means for Texas Homeschool Families

TEKS stands for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Think of them as a master checklist. They are the state standards adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) that outline what every student in a Texas public school should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level.

Here is the big "Aha!" moment for homeschoolers: In Texas, homeschooling is legally considered a form of private schooling. Because of that, homeschool families are not legally required to follow the TEKS. In Texas, your only legal requirements are to:

1. Conduct your pursuit of education in a bona fide (real, not a sham) manner.
2. Use a written curriculum (online programs count).
3. Cover the five basic subjects: Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Mathematics, and Good Citizenship.

So, if the TEKS say a 3rd grader needs to master long division but your 3rd grader is still rockin' multiplication, you aren't "breaking the law." You have the freedom to move at your child’s pace.

TEKS vs. Texas Homeschool Curriculum: What You Need to Know

When you buy a "box curriculum" or sign up for an online program, you might see a badge that says "TEKS Aligned." Here is the key difference between the state standards and your actual curriculum:

Most homeschool curricula are not specifically designed for the TEKS. Instead, they follow their own instructional frameworks. By contrast, offerings from Savvas Learning Company are intentionally developed to reflect state standards, making TEKS alignment clear.

How to Use TEKS as a Guide Without Following It Strictly

Just because you don’t have to follow the TEKS doesn't mean they aren't useful. Think of them as a GPS rather than a tether. Here are three ways to use them to your advantage:

1. The "Safety Net" Check

If you’re worried your child might be "falling behind," you can hop onto the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website and look at the TEKS for your child's grade. It can give you peace of mind to see that you’ve actually covered most of what the state requires—just in your own way.

2. Planning Your Year

Sometimes the hardest part of homeschooling is staring at a blank calendar. You can use the TEKS to pick out a few "big rocks" for the year. For example, if the 4th-grade TEKS focus heavily on Texas History, you might decide to make that your primary social studies theme for the year.

3. Preparing for Re-entry

If you think your child might head back to public high school, staying somewhat close to the TEKS for math and science can make that transition much smoother. It ensures they won't have "gaps" that the school expects them to have already mastered.

Pro Tip: Don't try to read the raw TEKS documents unless you've had a lot of coffee. They are written in "legalese." Instead, explore our Complete Parents’ Guide to TEFA for a much friendlier version!

The bottom line? You are the administrator of your homeschool. The TEKS belong to the state, but your child’s education belongs to you. Use the standards as a helpful reference when you need a little direction, but don't be afraid to take the scenic route!