Layer 1: TEFA
$10,474 at a participating school. At a parish elementary or a church school, that often covers all or nearly all of tuition.
Layer 2: the school
Sibling, employee and church-member discounts keep applying for TEFA families. Need-based aid can cover part of what's left.
Layer 3: one outside source
For Catholic families who didn't get TEFA, the Archdiocese's Hope for the Future fund. The federal scholarship tax credit starts in 2027. The Edu Fund partner scholarship can cover the gap at partner church schools.
Younger children
TEFA pre-K for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, including children of active-duty service members. Child care assistance through Workforce Solutions Alamo can cover after-care.
High school
The award is the same at every grade, so the gap is wider at college-prep high schools. Dual-credit courses through the Alamo Colleges can be paid from the account, and some families use leftover funds there.
Leftovers roll over
If tuition is below the award, the remainder stays in the account while the child is in the program. A family at a parish elementary school can build up a balance that helps with high school tuition later.
Watch the payment schedule
Accounts are funded 25% on July 1, 25% on October 1 and 50% on February 1. Ask your school whether it bills to match that schedule or wants a deposit from your own funds first.
Get the order right
Apply to the school and to TEFA at the same time. An award doesn't hold a seat, and in year one some San Antonio Catholic and Christian schools filled grades early.
Next step
Take the two-minute funding check. A School Funding Advisor will go through every source your family qualifies for and the dates that apply.