Squiddles Is a TEFA-Approved Provider

Great news for Texas families: Squiddles Survival Swim School is an approved vendor in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Families with TEFA funds can use them toward lessons with us.

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What is TEFA?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) is a state program, run by the Texas Comptroller, that gives families funds for approved education expenses outside of public school, including for children who are homeschooled or attend private school. Because Squiddles is an approved TEFA vendor, families with an account can put those funds toward lessons with us.

How much funding can families receive?

For the 2026–27 school year, the amount depends on your child's learning setting:

  • Homeschool and other students: $2,000 per year

  • Private school students: $10,474 per year

  • Private school students with an IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency: up to $30,000 per year

The state will set 2027–28 amounts. Unused funds roll over as long as your child stays in the program.

Already have a TEFA account?

You can use your funds with Squiddles now. Log in to the TEFA Parent Portal (run by Odyssey) to pay for lessons through the program marketplace. Not sure how? Contact us at swimschool@squiddles.net or (512) 200-3555 and we'll walk you through it.

*Please contact us to ensure you are registering for the correct course before you submit through TEFA program.

Applying for 2027–28

Applications for the 2027–28 school year have not opened yet. The state is expected to open them in early 2027. (Last year's window ran February 4 – March 31, 2026.)

Good to know before you apply:

  • It's not first-come, first-served. If more families apply than funding allows, awards are made by lottery, with priority for children with disabilities and lower-income households.

  • Siblings get priority. Brothers and sisters of current TEFA students are first in line for 2027–28.

  • Have your documents ready: a federal tax return (Form 1040) to verify income, plus a Texas driver's license or state ID.

  • Current families don't reapply. Students already in the program stay in as long as they remain eligible.

Don't miss the window: join the state's 2027–28 interest list to be notified when applications open.

Program details come from the Texas Comptroller and may change. For the latest, visit EducationFreedom.Texas.gov.