Texas Education Freedom Act

The Texas Education Freedom Act, established through Senate Bill 2, creates the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Through TEFA, eligible families may receive approximately $10,000 per student each year to apply toward private school tuition and other approved educational costs. The program is designed to expand access to private education, particularly for low to moderate income families and students with special learning needs.

McKinney Christian Academy is an accredited private Christian school that meets the state’s eligibility guidelines. Participation in the Texas Educational Freedom Accounts program is not mandatory; however, MCA has chosen to move forward with participation because the program aligns with our Christ-honoring mission, biblical worldview curriculum, and covenant-based independence. We will continue to steward this opportunity prayerfully, ensuring that our mission, values, and school autonomy remain fully protected.

Application for families will open in February 2026. Qualified and accepted schools will be able to begin accepting and applying TEFA funds in August of 2026.

Priority for TEFA funding will be given to the following groups:

• 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 who are already receiving TEFA funds

• A limited number of families earning above 500% of the federal poverty level (capped at 20% of the program’s total budget)

Students currently enrolled in private schools, such as McKinney Christian Academy, may become eligible once these priority groups have been served.

TEFA funds can be applied toward several educational expenses, including private school tuition, curriculum resources, tutoring and academic testing, transportation, technology, therapies and diagnostic services, and school meals. At MCA, TEFA funds must be prioritized and used toward tuition first.

No. TEFA funds are not meant to change tuition rates. These funds will be used to:

• Broaden tuition support for all families through MCA’s existing programs
• Strengthen and enrich our academic offerings
• Make MCA more accessible to families committed to our Christ-centered mission

No. Our mission and faith commitments guide every decision we make. MCA is moving forward with participation in the Texas Educational Freedom Accounts program only because it fully aligns with and protects our Christ-centered identity, our covenant admissions process, and our biblical approach to teaching.

MCA will not accept or retain funding that undermines religious liberty or school autonomy. We will continue to monitor program rules and regulations closely to ensure ongoing alignment. Our participation is grounded in the assurance that MCA maintains full authority over admissions standards, curriculum, and the day-to-day operation of the school.

McKinney Christian Academy is an active member of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA), which played a key role in securing religious protections within the legislation. We have participated in ongoing legislative briefings, consulted with schools in other ESA states, and remain committed to advocacy and wise, prayerful discernment as we navigate this process.

In addition to this School Choice resource page, we will continue to share updates by email. MCA’s Board of Trustees has approved moving forward with participation in the program, and we will provide additional information and implementation details as they become available.