TUITION ASSISTANCE: EFAs

Understanding Texas Education Freedom Accounts

Learn how Education Freedom Accounts work, who is eligible, and what steps to take before applying to Westbury Christian School.

What Is an Education Freedom Account (EFA)?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (also called Education Savings Accounts or ESAs) are publicly funded, government-authorized accounts that help families cover approved educational expenses—including private school tuition, meals, uniforms, tutoring, curriculum materials, online programs, therapies for students with special learning needs, and more.

Funds must be used only for eligible educational purposes and may roll over each year as long as the student remains eligible.

Westbury Christian’s Perspective

Westbury Christian is excited about this opportunity for Texas families to have increased access to high-quality Christian education.

EFAs have the potential to make Christ-centered schooling attainable for many more families across our state.

We will continue to follow program updates closely and share information as it becomes available.

EFAs and Enrollment at Westbury Christian School

It is important for families to understand:

  • Applying for an EFA is not the same as applying for admission to Westbury Christian School.

  • Receiving an EFA does not guarantee acceptance to any private school.

  • Families must complete two separate applications:

    1. Application for an EFA through the State of Texas

    2. Application for admission to Westbury Christian School

Westbury Christian follows its standard admissions policies when reviewing applicants.

Who Is Eligible for an EFA?

A student must be:

  • A U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident eligible to attend a Texas public school. 

The state prioritizes:

  1. Students with disabilities (as defined by Texas law) whose family income is ≤ 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 

  2. Children from families with income ≤ 200% of FPG.

  3. Children from families with income 200–500% of FPG.

  4. All other applicants, with priority in this category given to students switching from public school. This group is capped at 20% of total funding.

Siblings:

If one child in the family is approved, all siblings who apply are also approved. Families do not have to reapply each year.

What Amount of Funding Can Families Receive?

According to the Texas Comptroller guidelines and program legislation:

  • $10,500–$12,000 annually for students enrolled in an eligible private school.

  • Up to $30,000 for students with disabilities, depending on need. 

  • Funds may be used beginning July 1, 2026 when eligible expenses become payable.

Information for Prospective Families

If you are considering enrolling at Westbury Christian:

  • You must apply both for the EFA and for admission to Westbury Christian.

  • An EFA does not reserve or hold a seat at the school.

  • Admission decisions are based on our established criteria and space availability.

For students with learning differences or disabilities, our team will work with you to determine whether Westbury Christian can meet your child’s learning needs.

Information for Returning Families

All current Westbury Christian families are eligible and encouraged to apply.
While the state uses a prioritization system and a lottery within each category, submitting an application is the only way to be considered.

Timeline Overview

From state materials:

  • Jan–March 2026: Application window expected to open. 

  • July 1, 2026: Approved families may begin using funds for eligible educational expenses.

This page will be updated regularly as more details become available.

Stay Updated

This page will be regularly updated as new information is released by the State of Texas.

Families also have the option to sign up for program updates directly through the Comptroller’s website.

Need Help?

Our Admissions Office is available to help you understand how EFAs may work alongside our tuition and admissions process.

Please contact:
Amy Taylor, Director of Admissions
ataylor@westburychristian.org

Apply to WCS
Tuition Assistance Application
Request Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible expenses include private school tuition, meals, uniforms, tutoring, online programs, textbooks, and therapies for students with special needs. 

No. EFA approval and school admission are separate. You must apply to both, and one does not guarantee the other.

Yes. All current families are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Approximately $10,500–$12,000 per year, or up to $30,000 for students with disabilities, depending on need. 

The state expects applications to open January–March 2026.
This page will be updated as soon as the official window is announced.

Yes. If one child is approved, all siblings who apply are approved as well and do not need to reapply each year.

ADMISSIONS

“Through very rigorous and tedious work, and also tons of support, I can experience the challenges that prepare me for the real world. I am very grateful to be a student here at Westbury Christian. It has helped me grow as a person.”

E. Williams

“WCS is a hidden gem that offers a college preparatory scholastics program in a loving Christian environment. The teaching staff go above and beyond to challenge each of my kids, at an individualized level, to ensure that they exceed their potential.”

E. Hopkins

“I have gone to school here since 8th grade, and it is a wonderful place if you want to feel a closer connection to God. It’s such a safe environment to learn in, and the teachers are always more than willing to help the students whenever needed.”

A. Katherine

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