Texas law treats a homeschool as a private school, so a Valley family doesn't register with anyone to teach at home. TEFA simply adds a small annual budget for homeschoolers who are selected.
Spanish-English curriculum, math and reading programs, and the annual norm-referenced test are the most common purchases. Online classes and co-op fees qualify only when the provider is an approved vendor, so check the marketplace before you pay a deposit.
Older homeschoolers can add South Texas College courses once they turn 16, using the college's regular sections. STC's tuition and fees are an approved use, which makes the $2,000 a practical bridge into college credit for Hidalgo and Starr County teens.
A child who later enrolls at a participating school moves up to $10,474. Leaving a participating school for homeschool drops the account back to $2,000.
Combining it with other sources
Valley families rarely rely on one source. This one generally combines with the school's own discounts and scholarships and with at least one other source on our list. The funding check works out the right mix for your child.