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The Right School for Your Child May Be More Affordable Than You Think

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where they feel understood, supported, and confident in their abilities.

At Hill School, we know that finding the right school for a child who learns differently can be life-changing. We also understand that the cost of private education is an important consideration for families.

But what if the school you've been hoping to find for your child is more affordable than you think?

Through the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, Hill School's need-based tuition assistance, and flexible tuition payment options, families have more opportunities to make a specialized education possible.

We encourage families to explore their options before allowing tuition costs to stand in the way of discovering what Hill School could mean for their child.

 

A School That Sees Your Child Differently

For many families, the journey to Hill School begins long before they walk through our doors.

It begins with a child who works incredibly hard but continues to struggle in the classroom. A child who may have difficulty reading, writing, staying organized, or keeping up with the pace of a traditional school. Over time, those challenges can affect more than academics. They can impact a child's confidence, motivation, and love of learning.

Parents know their child is capable. They just need a school that understands how they learn.

At Hill School, that's exactly what we strive to provide.

Through small class sizes, individualized instruction, specialized teaching methods, and an emphasis on social-emotional growth, students have the opportunity to rediscover their strengths and develop the independence they need for the future.

For many families, discovering Hill School brings a sense of hope. But it can also bring an important question: “How can we make this work financially?”

The first step is understanding what's available.

 

What Is TEFA?

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program is a state-funded initiative designed to help eligible Texas families access educational opportunities that best meet their children's needs.

Established by the Texas Legislature, the program provides eligible families with funds that can be used toward approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools.

Hill School is an approved participating school in the TEFA program.

For families considering Hill School, TEFA can provide meaningful financial support toward the cost of an education specifically designed for students with learning differences.

Rather than requiring families to cover the full cost of private school tuition on their own, TEFA allows eligible students to use state-provided educational funds toward approved expenses.

These funds are awarded to eligible students and managed through the state's designated program platform.

 

Visit the Official TEFA Website

 

TEFA and Students With Learning Differences

Students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences may have educational needs that require additional support.

While a diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for increased TEFA funding, students with an eligible IEP may qualify for an award above the standard private school amount.

 

What Could Affording Hill School Look Like for Your Family?

Imagine finding a school where your child is finally excited to learn.

You visit Hill School, meet our teachers, and see students who are engaged, confident, and supported. You begin to picture your child thriving in an environment designed for the way they learn.

Then you sit down to review tuition.

At first, the cost feels overwhelming. But instead of ending your search, you begin exploring the financial resources available to your family.

You learn that your child may qualify for TEFA funding, potentially reducing the amount of tuition you would need to pay out of pocket. You also learn about Hill School's need-based tuition assistance and flexible payment options.

Suddenly, a school that once seemed out of reach becomes a possibility worth exploring.

Every family's financial circumstances and eligibility are different. But understanding your options can change the conversation from "We can't afford it" to "Let's see what's possible."

We don't want families to miss the opportunity to discover Hill School simply because they assume it's financially out of reach.

 

How to Apply for TEFA

  1. Step 1: Learn About the Program

    Visit the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website to understand eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the application process.

  2.  Step 2: Review Your Child's Eligibility

    Determine whether your child meets the state's eligibility requirements. If your child has an IEP or other qualifying disability documentation, review how that information may affect application priority or funding.

  3. Step 3: Prepare Your Information

    Gather the documentation requested by the state, which may include information verifying your child's identity and eligibility, household income, and qualifying educational or disability documentation.

  4. Step 4: Submit Your Application

    When the application period opens, families can apply through the official TEFA family portal.

    Applications are reviewed according to state guidelines. If eligible applications exceed available funding, awards are determined using the program's priority and lottery procedures.

  5. Step 5: Review Your Award and Confirm Enrollment

    Families selected for TEFA funding receive information about their award and the steps required to participate.

    Families planning to attend Hill School must also complete the school's separate admissions and enrollment process.

  6. Step 6: Use Your Funding for Approved Expenses

    Once the student's account is funded, families can use available TEFA funds for qualifying expenses through the state's designated platform.

     

Important Application Update

The application period for the 2026–2027 school year ran from February 4 through March 17, 2026, and is now closed.

Families interested in future participation are encouraged to join the state's 2027–2028 interest list to receive updates about upcoming application opportunities.

 

Hill School Tuition Assistance

Hill School is committed to making our educational programs as accessible as possible to families with demonstrated financial need.

Tuition assistance awards are determined based on individual circumstances and the availability of school funds.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About TEFA

TEFA is designed to serve eligible Texas children who meet the state's residency, citizenship or lawful-presence, and public-school eligibility requirements.

Students do not have to currently attend a public school to apply. Families with children already enrolled in private school may also be eligible.

Because program funding is limited, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee that a student will receive an award.

When eligible applications exceed available funding, the state uses a lottery system with priority categories established by law.

For the 2026–2027 school year, applicants were prioritized in the following order:

  • Priority 1: Students With Disabilities and Qualifying Household Income
    • Students with qualifying disabilities whose families earn at or below 500% of the federal poverty level.
  • Priority 2: Families With Lower Household Income
    • Students whose families earn at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Priority 3: Families With Moderate Household Income
    • Students whose families earn above 200% but below 500% of the federal poverty level.
  • Priority 4: Other Eligible Families
    • Students from households at or above 500% of the federal poverty level, with additional priority for certain students who previously attended a Texas public or charter school.


These priority categories help determine the order in which eligible students are considered for funding.

Families at a variety of income levels may apply, although award selection depends on program funding and state requirements.

TEFA funds can be used for a variety of approved educational expenses, giving families greater flexibility in supporting their child's education.

Eligible expenses may include:

  • Tuition and qualifying fees at participating private schools.
  • Approved educational materials and instructional resources.
  • Tutoring and academic support services.
  • Certain educational therapies and services.
  • Other qualifying educational expenses permitted by the state.
  • For families attending Hill School, tuition may be one of the most significant ways TEFA can help make a specialized education more accessible.

Funds are managed through the TEFA program rather than being paid directly to families as unrestricted cash.

Families should review the official program guidelines to understand which expenses qualify and how funds can be used.

For the 2026–2027 school year, TEFA provides the following funding opportunities:

  • $10,474 — Standard Private School Award
    • Eligible students attending an approved private school may receive $10,474 in TEFA funding for the school year.
  • Up to $30,000 — Students With Qualifying Disabilities
    • Students with qualifying disabilities who have an eligible Individualized Education Program (IEP) on file with the Texas Education Agency may receive additional funding, up to a total of $30,000 annually.

The amount of additional funding is based on the student's qualifying educational information and school district of residence. Not every student with an IEP receives the maximum award.

For families whose children require specialized academic support, these funds may help reduce the financial barriers to choosing a school like Hill.

TEFA is an important new resource for Texas families, but it isn't the only opportunity available to help make a Hill School education affordable.

Hill School also offers need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families. In order to qualify for Hill School's financial aid, you must apply for TEFA funds first.

Hill School partners with FACTS Grant & Aid to evaluate each family's financial circumstances and determine demonstrated financial need.

Families receiving TEFA funding may also inquire about Hill School's tuition assistance program. Because TEFA awards can affect a family's financial need, Hill School evaluates each situation individually when determining any additional school assistance.

Together, these opportunities may help families better understand their financial options and develop a plan for their child's education.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal educational plan developed for a student who qualifies for special education services under federal and state requirements.

An IEP identifies a student's educational needs and outlines the specialized instruction, services, accommodations, and goals designed to support their progress.

No. An IEP is not required to qualify for the standard TEFA award.

However, students seeking the increased special education funding amount must have a qualifying IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency.

For the 2026–2027 school year, an IEP from the 2023–2024 school year or later may qualify a student for increased funding.

Students without an IEP may still qualify for the standard TEFA award.

For application prioritization, the state also recognizes certain disability documentation, including a qualifying Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) or a program-approved disability certification form.

It is important to understand that documentation used to establish priority in the application process is not necessarily sufficient to qualify a student for increased special education funding.

Families are encouraged to review the state's requirements and available documentation options before applying.

For the 2026–2027 school year, funds for students attending participating private schools are distributed in installments rather than as one lump-sum payment. Funding is placed into the student's program account and can be used for approved expenses through the TEFA platform.

Yes. Hill School is an approved participating school in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.

Yes. Students already enrolled in private school may be eligible for TEFA if they meet the program's requirements.

No. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee additional TEFA funding. Increased special education funding requires an eligible IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency, and the amount is determined by the state's funding formula.

For the 2026–2027 program, an IEP from the 2023–2024 school year or later may qualify a student for increased funding. Families should review the requirements for the application year in which they participate.

TEFA is not limited exclusively to low-income families. However, household income plays an important role in the state's application priority system, particularly when eligible applications exceed available funding.

No. Eligibility does not guarantee an award. The program has limited funding, and eligible students may be selected through a prioritized lottery.

Certain tutoring, therapies, and other educational services may qualify as approved expenses under state guidelines. Families should confirm eligibility through the official TEFA program before using funds.

That depends on the student's award amount, Hill School tuition, and any other financial assistance available to the family. Some families may receive substantial support, while others will still have an out-of-pocket tuition responsibility.