Texas Education Freedom Accounts | News | John Paul II High School | Texas

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 applied directly to 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.

1. Dual Application is Required: Your family needs to understand that you must complete two separate steps:
   1. Apply for the TEFA program to secure the funding. Expected to open early 2026.
   2. Apply for Admission to John Paul II High School. The school must accept you to be eligible to attend.
2. Financial Priority: The program prioritizes enrollment for families with the most significant 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 is a significant source of financial aid, making the rigorous, faith-based program at John Paul II High School more affordable for families.

The Catholic Diocese of Dallas officially launched its TEFA Awareness campaign on December 3, 2025, to educate families about the opportunities offered by the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). To support this initiative, we are hosting the informational videos on the JPII YouTube Channel and listing them below to guide you through the program's details and eligibility. We invite you to follow along to learn how this important program can assist with your student's educational journey.

• What is the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program?
  • English
  • Spanish
• How Much Funding Does TEFA Provide?
  • English
  • Spanish
• What Expenses Are Covered by TEFA?
  • English
  • Spanish

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 available to children accepted into the program for private school tuition, educational expenses for homeschoolers, tutoring, career and technical education programs, and other related costs. 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.

John Paul II High School (JPII) is a leading Catholic coeducational college-preparatory institution in Collin County, Texas, offering a supportive, faith-based environment where students excel academically and grow spiritually. JPII emphasizes a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors courses, to prepare students for admission to top universities.