What you need
Accreditation from TEA or an organization TEPSAC recognizes, two full school years of operation, and a nationally norm-referenced test every year for TEFA students in grades 3-12. Online schools also need a Texas office.
The accreditation question
Early in 2026, reporting noted that dozens of Austin private schools accredited only by Cognia were stuck while the Comptroller reviewed that accreditor. If your accreditation is in question, confirm your status with the program before families apply.
Pricing rules
Bill TEFA families the same tuition as everyone else, keep sibling, staff and member discounts in place, and put your aid policy in writing.
How money arrives
Deposits come 25% on July 1, 25% on October 1 and 50% on February 1. Families may pay ahead, and any refund goes back into the account.
Pre-K centers
A clean child care license plus one quality marker: Texas Rising Star at 3 stars or above, Texas School Ready, a public-district pre-K partnership or a recognized accreditation.
Your listing here
Every Austin-area school in the state finder or the federal private school survey is already in our directory, including several large campuses that hadn't joined TEFA on our check date. Claim your page to add tuition, account-eligible fees, aid and an admissions contact.