Every way to pay for school in Fort Worth
Here are the 10 sources a Fort Worth-area family can combine for private, church, Catholic, homeschool and pre-K education, with who qualifies for each and when to apply.
Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)
Texas's education savings account pays $10,474 in 2026-27 for a Fort Worth-area student enrolled at a participating private school. The state releases the money in three installments through Odyssey.
Who qualifies →IEP · Up to $30,000TEFA with an IEP (up to $30,000)
A student whose current IEP is on file with the Texas Education Agency receives the $10,474 base plus an add-on tied to the home district and the IEP setting, up to $30,000 at a participating school.
Who qualifies →Homeschool · $2,000TEFA Homeschool / Other ($2,000)
A TEFA student who learns at home or through programs other than a participating private school gets $2,000 for the year, deposited in full on July 1.
Who qualifies →Ages 3-5 · $10,474TEFA Pre-K & Kindergarten
TEFA funds pre-K and kindergarten at approved providers at the full $10,474, but a 3- or 4-year-old must meet one of the state's free pre-K criteria to be eligible.
Who qualifies →Catholic schoolsDiocese of Fort Worth: Tuition Assistance Fund & Camino
The Diocese of Fort Worth's Catholic Schools Office runs Camino to help families apply for TEFA, and its Tuition Assistance Fund, supported by the diocesan Advancement Foundation, has backed need-based aid at diocesan schools since 2006.
Who qualifies →Income-based · Ages 0-12Child Care Scholarships (Tarrant & Surrounding Counties)
Texas's child care scholarship program pays part of the cost of a licensed provider for working, job-seeking or student parents. Tarrant County and the four outer counties are run by two different workforce boards.
Who qualifies →New · Jan 2027Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027)
From January 1, 2027, a taxpayer in a participating state can claim a federal credit of up to $1,700 for donating to a scholarship granting organization. Texas announced its intent to opt in on December 10, 2025.
Who qualifies →Grades 9-12 · Tuition waivedDual Credit Tuition Waiver (TCC, Weatherford College & Hill College)
Texas's FAST program waives tuition for eligible dual-credit students. Tarrant County College applies it to homeschoolers and to students at schools with a TCC partnership agreement.
Who qualifies →At the schoolSchool-Based Tuition Assistance
Nearly every Fort Worth-area private school has its own aid, sibling pricing, church-member rates or employee discounts, and these can be combined with TEFA.
Who qualifies →Partner fund · No income capEdu Fund Partner Scholarship
A private partner that supports church-run and community schools funds families enrolling at its partner schools, aimed at the cost above TEFA and at families still waiting on an award.
Who qualifies →Dates to know
- TodaySign up for the state's 2027-28 notices at educationfreedom.texas.gov. The Comptroller hasn't announced when the second application window opens.
- TodayCatholic families can fill out the Diocese of Fort Worth Catholic Schools Office's survey for families who plan to apply for 2027-28.
- TodayGet on the child care scholarship list. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County estimated a 27-month wait when we checked, so the date you apply matters.
- Jan 1, 2027The federal scholarship tax credit takes effect. Texas told the Treasury on Dec 10, 2025 that it intends to participate.
- Jan 12, 2027Lawmakers return to Austin for the 90th Legislature, where the money for TEFA's second year gets decided.
- Feb 1, 2027Odyssey sends the last and largest 2026-27 deposit (50%) for students at participating private schools.
- Year-roundPrivate schools, pre-K centers, tutors and therapists in Tarrant County can apply to the state to become TEFA providers at any time.
IEP amounts by district TEFA calculator What's left after TEFA
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