Written by TEFA parents for TEFA parents. Not affiliated with the Texas Comptroller or Odyssey.
This week: the first look at who is actually in TEFA.
80% of funded students in the first official report came from households under 200% of the federal poverty level ($66,000 for a family of four). Details on income, race, and your district are below.
TEFA DEMOGRAPHICS
248,000 eligible applicants
Over 109,000 students funded
Families come from 895 Texas school districts. Houston ISD led with 3,327 participating students
67% of awarded students attend private school, 33% homeschool
30% previously attended public school while 70% attended private or homeschool in 2024-25
The tables below are from the Aug. 1 Comptroller report with 85,344 funded students.
Number of students by tier
Tier | Eligible | Funded |
|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | 29,414 | 20,700 |
Tier 1 siblings | — | 12,800 |
Tier 2 | 79,652 | 51,800 |
Tier 3 | 72,644 | Current tier* |
Tier 4(a) | 13,242 | — |
Tier 4(b)/5 | 53,760 | — |
*Tier 3 students are currently coming off the waitlist.
Students by household income
Household income | Eligible | Funded |
|---|---|---|
200% FPL or below | 94,663 | 68,000 |
201–500% FPL | 87,047 | 17,300 |
Higher than 500% FPL | 67,002 | Less than 30 |
200% FPL (Federal Poverty Level) = $66,000 for a family of 4. Details below.
Students by race/ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity | Eligible | Funded |
|---|---|---|
American Indian | 1,639 | 583 |
Asian/Pacific Islander | 20,084 | 4,305 |
Black | 27,969 | 11,570 |
Hispanic | 57,991 | 24,043 |
Multiracial | 28,442 | 10,051 |
White | 112,587 | 34,792 |
Find your district
Click2Houston mapped TEFA applications and awards by school district. Tap your ISD on the map. Districts with fewer than 30 are hidden.
Click2Houston — TEFA applications by district
THE WAITLIST
Nearly 4,000 awards were given out last week to Tier 3 waitlist students.
Another round is expected around September 24th. Continue to check the portal if you are Tier 3.
2027–28 dates are not posted. Join the official 2027-28 interest list.
TEFA TIERS
Tier 1: Children with a disability and total annual income below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (and their siblings).
Tier 2: Annual income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Tier 3: Annual income between 200% and 500% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Tier 4: Annual income above 500% of the Federal Poverty Level and attended a public school in 2024–2025.
Tier 5: Annual income above 500% of the Federal Poverty Level and did not attend a public school in 2024–2025.
What those FPL lines are in dollars:
Household size | 200% FPL | 500% FPL |
|---|---|---|
2 | $43,280 | $108,200 |
3 | $54,640 | $136,600 |
4 | $66,000 | $165,000 |
5 | $77,360 | $193,400 |
6 | $88,720 | $221,800 |
7 | $100,080 | $250,200 |
8 | $111,440 | $278,600 |
Each additional person: add $11,360 at 200%, $28,400 at 500%.
ONLINE OPTIONS
Moosiko is an online music school for guitar, piano, and ukulele. Self-paced app lessons, group classes, or 1:1 with certified K–12 teachers. Search Moosiko in the Odyssey marketplace to view instruments and book lessons.
Moosiko — guitar, piano, and ukulele lessons online
HOMESCHOOL
GeoKidz — Break at Home Geodes Our kids LOVE cracking open geodes! Each one is a plain-looking sphere on the outside, but holds a sparkling secret within. Grab a pair of glasses and a hammer to expose stunning crystal formations, formed naturally over millions of years. Every Break at Home Geode is unique, guaranteeing a surprise reveal each time! $8.50 per bagged geode, plus $0.99 geology worksheets from the owner, a geologist. Search Geokidz in the Odyssey marketplace.
LOCAL · SAN ANTONIO
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School — We are so glad we toured this school a few months ago. It’s a classical Catholic school, Pre-K through 7th right now (8th starts next year), and they just moved into an incredible brand-new building. If you are in San Antonio or the Hill Country and looking, schedule a tour!
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School — Boerne
iShine Pediatric Therapy — Speech, OT, PT, behavior coaching, and more in one clinic. Our child has made amazing progress in a short amount of time working with Ms. Margaret! Local, small, and easy to get to from San Antonio.
Ave Maria Academy — small group classes designed for students in K - 8th Grade. This engaging and inclusive program combines dance, movement, physical fitness, rhythm, coordination, technique, and creative expression in a fun, supportive learning environment. Classes are 45–50 minutes and cost $95/month. Search Ave Maria in Odyssey to view all of their classes including Voice, Music, STEAM, and more. Located in Helotes.
Ave Maria Arts and Innovation Classes
ODYSSEY SUPPORT
📞 Phone: 737-379-2362
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: support.withodyssey.com
🕐 Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–9pm; Sat–Sun 11am–5pm
TWO ASKS
Forward this to one parent who still thinks TEFA is only for rich private-school families.
Reply if you are an approved TEFA vendor offering a cool product or service.
See you next week!
— Alison & Ryan
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PK-5th grade tutoring — online or in-person