The Diocese of Austin's school system reported 19 Catholic schools from pre-K through grade 12 and more than 5,200 students in September 2025, spread from West and Killeen down to Buda and east to Bryan-College Station. Its superintendent, Misty Poe, has written publicly about families using TEFA at Catholic schools.
Beacon of Hope is paid from an endowment built by the diocese's Encountering Christ Campaign. Families apply through FACTS Grant & Aid and pick "Beacon of Hope - Diocesan Scholarship Program" as an organization. A diocesan school's page lists a January 1 to March 1 window, awards for one year at a time, and payment straight to the school after fall enrollment is confirmed.
The schools office lists other help too. The Saints & Scholars Gala each January raises about $150,000 a year, Catholic Foundation endowment income adds about $115,000, ACE Scholarships help new students at ACE partner schools, and Folds of Honor offers up to $5,000 for military dependents. Some parishes, including some in Central Austin, run their own partnership aid.
The diocese says more than 36% of its school families already use some form of assistance. The diocese hasn't published how it weighs a TEFA award against Beacon of Hope, so ask the principal or admissions director how the two fit for your family.
Combining it with other sources
Most families pair this with the school's own aid and one or two other sources on this site. A funding check lays out which combination works for your child and in what order to apply.