School Choice in Texas
Texas Vouchers & the Education Freedom Account
Excel High School is an approved education provider for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) — Texas's new school choice program. Eligible families can direct state-funded education dollars toward an accredited, 100% online diploma at Excel.
What Is TEFA?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts, Explained
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) is the state's school choice voucher program. It gives qualifying Texas families access to state-directed funds that can be used for approved private education expenses — including tuition at accredited online schools like Excel High School.
Rather than tying education dollars to a single public school assignment, TEFA puts the choice in the hands of parents. If your family is awarded TEFA funds, you decide where and how those funds are used — whether that's a brick-and-mortar private school, homeschool curriculum, or a fully accredited online program like ours.
The application is submitted directly to the State of Texas, not to Excel. The state determines eligibility, funding amounts, and award decisions on a limited basis each cycle.
How It Works
Three Steps from Application to Enrollment
Apply with the State
Parents submit the TEFA application directly to the State of Texas at educationfreedom.texas.gov. The 2026–27 application window opens February 4, 2026 and closes March 17, 2026.
Receive Your Award
The state reviews eligibility and notifies awarded families. Funding is limited and decisions are made by Texas — not by Excel.
Enroll at Excel
Once awarded, choose Excel High School Texas as your approved provider. Most awarded students are placed in our Platinum Tier package at no cost to the family.
Awarded Students
The Platinum Tier — Fully Funded Online Diploma
Most Texas students who qualify for TEFA funding are automatically placed in Excel's Platinum Tier package — our highest level of support, delivered at no cost to the family. It's an all-inclusive online experience built around flexibility, rigor, and personal growth.
From self-paced scheduling to our ElevatEd enrichment program, the Platinum Tier is designed so awarded Texas students get a structured, supportive, fully accredited education without any out-of-pocket tuition.
- Full tuition for accredited online middle or high school
- Standard, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) course access
- ElevatEd enrichment: mindset, resilience, and goal-setting
- Self-paced scheduling — up to 12 months per full-year course
- Academic and success coaching during business hours
- Texas-recognized, regionally accredited diploma upon completion
Course Pathways
Programs Covered Under TEFA
Awarded students can choose any of Excel's accredited program tracks — from middle school foundations to college-level AP coursework.
Standard High School
A flexible, well-rounded curriculum that meets graduation requirements while letting Texas students learn at their own pace.
Honors High School
Deeper content and higher academic expectations for motivated Texas students preparing for competitive colleges.
Advanced Placement (AP)
College-level coursework that can earn real college credit while building research and critical-thinking skills.
Middle School (6–8)
Foundational core subjects paired with study-skill development to prepare younger Texas learners for high school.
FAQs
Texas School Choice Questions
Is Excel High School an approved TEFA provider?
Yes. Excel High School is an approved education provider for the Texas Education Freedom Account program for grades 6–12.
Who decides if my family qualifies for TEFA?
Eligibility, funding amounts, and award decisions are made entirely by the State of Texas. Apply directly at educationfreedom.texas.gov — Excel is not part of the eligibility review.
How much does Excel cost if my child is awarded TEFA funds?
Most awarded Texas students are placed in our Platinum Tier package at no out-of-pocket tuition cost. The state-directed funds cover the program in full.
Can I still enroll if my family doesn't receive TEFA funding?
Absolutely. Excel offers low monthly tuition options for Texas families regardless of voucher eligibility — see our Tuition page for current pricing.
Ready to use your Texas school choice funds?
Apply for TEFA with the State of Texas, then enroll at Excel — or talk to a Texas advisor first to see how the Platinum Tier fits your student.
*Eligibility is determined by the State of Texas.