Understanding School Choice: What It Means for Legacy Families

The Texas Education Freedom Act, passed under Senate Bill 2, creates a new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program that allows eligible families to access public funds for private educational expenses starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Eligible families may receive about $10,000 per student annually through a Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) to use toward private school tuition and other educational expenses. It is designed to make private education more accessible, especially for low- to moderate-income families and those with special learning needs.

Legacy is an accredited private school and meets the state's eligibility standards. However, participation is optional. We are evaluating the opportunity prayerfully and carefully and will only participate if we can do so without compromising our Christ-centered mission, curriculum autonomy, or operational independence.

The TEFA program will launch for the 2026–2027 school year. Applications are not yet open but are expected to be available in late 2025.

Priority will be given to:

• Students with disabilities (from families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level)
• Low-income families (earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level)
• Siblings of students already using TEFA funds
• Families above 500% of the poverty level (limited to 20% of the program budget)

Students currently enrolled in private schools like Legacy may become eligible after these prioritized groups are served.

Eligible expenses include:

• Private school tuition
• Textbooks and curriculum materials
• Academic testing and tutoring
• Transportation
• Educational software and computers
• Therapies and diagnostic services
• Meals during the school day

No. TEFA funds are not designed to reduce tuition or increase it. If Legacy participates, the funds would be used to:

• Enhance financial aid
• Strengthen academic programs
• Extend access to mission-aligned families

Absolutely not. Our commitment is clear: Legacy will never accept funding that compromises our faith, admissions standards, or instructional content. We will only participate if the law continues to protect religious liberty and school autonomy.

Legacy is an active member of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA), which worked to ensure religious protections in the law. We have engaged in weekly legislative briefings, collaborated with schools in other ESA states, and are committed to advocacy and wisdom-led discernment as we move forward.

In addition to this School Choice resource page, we will be sending email updates and hosting events to answer your questions. Stay tuned for future updates from Admissions. Have questions now? Schedule a connection call with our team.