Can a Houston family pay for this from a TEFA account?
Private tutoring or teaching services from an approved provider whose lead educator meets the credential policy.
Private tutoring or teaching services from an approved provider whose lead educator meets the credential policy.
Private tutoring or teaching services from an approved provider whose lead educator meets the credential policy.
Rules that apply
- The lead educator must be a current or retired employee of an accredited school or university, or hold a relevant credential — a Texas or other state teaching license, a School District Teaching Permit, an educator-accreditation certification, a method-specific certification, a related accredited degree or a related professional license.
- The lead educator must be continuously present (in person or virtually) during instruction and pass a fingerprint background check, as must other staff with student contact.
- Supporting staff such as paraeducators do not need the credential.
What isn't allowed
- Paying a family member
- Uncredentialed tutors or providers not approved in the marketplace
In Houston
183 approved tutoring providers are based in the Houston area in the state finder, and many more serve Texas online. See the list on our Tutoring page.
How to buy it
Log in to the TEFA parent portal (Odyssey). Pay your school or an approved provider through the platform, or buy approved products in the marketplace. If a provider isn't listed, it has to apply and be approved before it can be paid.
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Sources: educationfreedom.texas.gov (families page, Tuition and Fee Guidelines 5/28/2026, Educator Credential Policy 7/7/2026, Providers and Vendors) and Odyssey's eligible-expenses article for TEFA. This is a summary, not legal advice. Program rules control.