Texas Education Freedom Accounts
& John Paul II High School
What does the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) mean to you?
John Paul II High School is the #1 private Catholic co-educational high school in Collin County, dedicated to college preparation, faith, and service. The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program directly assists families who wish to attend John Paul II High School (JPII) by helping to cover the cost of tuition and other school-related expenses.
Catholic Diocese of Dallas - TEFA Information
How TEFA Financially Assists JPII Families
Since John Paul II High School is a non-public, Catholic institution, your family would be eligible to apply for TEFA funds to offset the cost of attendance:
- Tuition Support: The most significant way TEFA helps is by providing funds (up to $10,000 per year for most students) that can be directly applied toward JPII's tuition. This makes a Catholic, college-prep education more affordable and accessible.
- Support for Students with Special Needs: If a student enrolling at JPII has a diagnosed disability, the TEFA program offers a higher amount, up to $30,000 per year. This money is designed to help cover the costs of specialized educational services or therapies they may need while at the school.
- Covering Other Costs: The TEFA funds are flexible and can also be used for other approved expenses necessary for school, such as:
- School uniforms.
- Specific curriculum materials or books.
- Tutoring related to school subjects.
How to Apply and Enrollment Priority
- Dual Application is Required: It is very important for your family to understand that you must complete two separate steps:
- Apply for the TEFA program to secure the funding. Expected to open early 2026.
- Apply for Admission to John Paul II High School. You must be accepted by the school to be eligible to attend.
- Financial Priority: The program prioritizes enrollment for families with the greatest financial need (those with lower incomes) and students with disabilities. If your family falls into one of these categories, you may have a better chance of being approved for the funds sooner.
In short, the TEFA program serves as a significant financial aid source, providing families with a choice in education by making the rigorous, faith-based program at John Paul II High School more affordable for their budgets.
About TEFA
Texas is taking a bold step to expand educational opportunities. In 2025, the Legislature established an education savings account program, formally known as the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, to provide parents with the freedom to choose the best path for their child’s future. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, funds will be made available to children accepted into the program, which can be used for private school tuition, educational expenses for homeschoolers, tutoring, career and technical education programs, and other related expenses. It’s an exciting new chapter for education in Texas — designed to put parents in the driver’s seat.
TEFA is administered through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Following a rigorous selection process, Odyssey was selected as the certified educational assistance organization that will assist the Comptroller’s office in administering the program.
Odyssey will manage an online parent portal to guide families through the application process, allow them to search for eligible schools and service providers, and access their accounts to pay for eligible education expenses. Applications are expected to open in early 2026.
About John Paul II High School
John Paul II High School (JPII) is a leading Catholic coeducational college preparatory institution in Collin County, Texas, offering a supportive and faith-based environment where students excel academically and grow spiritually. JPII emphasizes a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors courses, to prepare students for top universities.