Understanding Texas ESAs/TEFAs: What Round Rock Families Need to Know

Local guidance to help Round Rock families understand Texas Education Savings Accounts, school vouchers, and evolving education choices.

As education policy continues to evolve in Texas, many Round Rock families are seeking clear, local guidance on what these changes mean for their children. One of the most talked-about developments is the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) program, officially known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs), often referred to as school vouchers.

At Round the Rock, our goal is to help families navigate important community topics with clarity and context. That’s why we’ve partnered with ESTEAM EDU to bring Round Rock families a dedicated series exploring how Texas ESAs/TEFAs work, what families should consider now, and how these changes may impact local education options. This four-part series is designed to provide practical, community-focused information to help parents make informed, confident decisions.

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Part 4: Texas Education Freedom Accounts: What Parents Need to Know Before the February 4 Enrollment Window Opens

By Nicholle Walton-Durban

As Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) move from conversation to reality, many families are asking the same question:

“What do I actually need to do — and when?”

With the TEFA enrollment window opening February 4, now is the time for parents to pause, prepare, and get grounded — not rushed.

This final article in our TEFA series focuses on two things families need most right now:

1. A clear checklist to be ready for enrollment
   
2. Thoughtful guidance on how to evaluate learning environments once options expand
   

Because education freedom works best when families feel prepared, not pressured.

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First: A Reality Check Before Enrollment Opens

TEFA does not require families to:

• rush into a decision
  
• choose a school immediately
  
• abandon a current learning environment
  

Instead, it invites families to understand their options, explore the education ecosystem around them, and decide what fits their learner — now or in the future.

Preparation isn’t about committing.
It’s about being ready to choose well.

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Your TEFA Enrollment Readiness Checklist

Before February 4, parents should aim to complete the following:

1. Understand What TEFA Is (and Is Not)

Make sure you can clearly answer:

• What expenses TEFA funds can be used for
  
• Who is eligible
  
• What documentation may be required
  
• That participation is optional
  

Avoid social media summaries. Rely on trusted, factual resources.

2. Gather Key Family & Learner Information

While final requirements may evolve, families should be prepared with:

• Basic household and student information
  
• Current school or learning environment details
  
• Any documentation related to learning supports or services (if applicable)
  

Having these ready reduces stress when applications open.

3. Map Your Current Learning Ecosystem

Before looking outward, look inward.

Ask:

• Where is my child currently learning?
  
• What is working well?
  
• Where does my child need more support or challenge?
  

Many families already participate in an ecosystem — TEFA simply makes it more visible and accessible.

4. Explore Local Options — Not Just “Big Names”

In communities like Round Rock and Greater Austin, options already include:

• Microschools
  
• Private schools
  
• Homeschool and hybrid programs
  
• Tutoring and enrichment providers
  
• Learning supports and therapies
  

Understanding what exists locally helps families make grounded, realistic choices.

 5. Attend an Info Session or Ask Questions Early

Virtual info sessions, community conversations, and direct provider questions help clarify:

• how programs actually operate
  
• expectations for learners and families
  
• alignment with your child’s needs
  

You don’t need to decide yet — just learn.

Beginning February 4, 2026, parents can submit applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Education freedom accounts are designed to open doors, expand opportunities, and give each Texas child the chance to learn in the environment that fits them best. First awards will be available to participating children for the 2026-27 school year.

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How to Evaluate the Right Learning Environment for Your Child

Once enrollment opens, families often feel pressure to choose quickly. Instead, we encourage parents to slow down and ask better questions.

Here are three guiding principles to keep front and center:

1️⃣ Look for Alignment, Not Perfection

No learning environment will check every box.

Instead, ask:

• Does this environment align with my child’s learning style?
  
• Is my child encouraged to grow, not just comply?
  
• Do the values of this community match our family’s priorities?
  

The right environment often feels supportive, challenging, and human.

2️⃣ Think in Ecosystems, Not Single Solutions

Education does not have to happen in one place.

Many families successfully combine:

• a core learning environment
  
• tutoring or enrichment
  
• community, mentorship, or support services
  

TEFA supports this layered approach — one that adapts as children grow.

3️⃣ Pay Attention to Growth, Not Just Outcomes

Test scores and curriculum matter — but growth matters more.

Look for environments that value:

• curiosity and engagement
  
• accountability and independence
  
• confidence and ownership of learning
  

Ask how success is defined beyond grades.

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What Happens After February 4?

Opening day is just that — an opening.

Families can:

• apply and continue exploring
  
• apply and wait to use funds
  
• choose to observe this year and plan for next
  

Education freedom is not a race. It’s a process.

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Helpful Resources for Parents

To support families navigating this next step, we’ve created free, local resources:

Texas Education Freedom Parent Guide
A clear, parent-friendly overview of TEFA and how families use it in real life.

Round Rock & Greater Austin Education Ecosystem Directory
A comprehensive look at schools, microschools, enrichment programs, tutoring, and learning supports already serving our community.

Consulting & Support Services are available for Parents of Educational Organization Leaders via ESTEAM Edu. 

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Final Thought: Prepared Parents Make Confident Choices

TEFA doesn’t create education choice — it recognizes what families have already been doing.

The February 4 enrollment window is an opportunity to:

• get informed
  
• explore intentionally
  
• and choose thoughtfully — now or later
  

The goal isn’t to pick the “best” option.

It’s to build the right learning path for your child, supported by a strong local ecosystem.

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About the Author

Nicholle Walton-Durban is the Founder of ESTEAM Academy, a learner-driven microschool, and ESTEAM EDU, an education consulting organization supporting families and school leaders.

She is a mother of three and has spent the last decade helping reimagine education through agency, accountability, and purpose-driven learning.

Connect with Nicholle through the following channels: 

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This article is part of Round the Rock’s ongoing series, Understanding Texas ESAs/TEFAs: What Round Rock Families Need to Know, created in partnership with ESTEAM EDU. The content is provided for informational and community-focused purposes only.

Round the Rock does not advocate for or endorse specific education policies, programs, schools, or choices. Views expressed by contributing authors and partners reflect their own perspectives and are shared to help provide clarity, context, and expert insight for families navigating evolving education topics.

Families are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals when making education decisions. Round the Rock remains committed to offering clear, local information so families can make confident choices that best serve their individual needs.

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