Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA): Information for OCS Families
What is the Texas Education Freedom Act?
The Texas Education Freedom Act, established through Senate Bill 2, creates the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers the TEFA program, which is the largest school choice initiative in the nation.
Is Ovilla Christian School eligible to participate in the TEFA program?
Yes. While participation in the Texas Educational Freedom Accounts program is not mandatory for eligible schools, OCS has chosen to participate because the program aligns with our mission to cultivate an environment where Christ-following students can become biblical thinkers, lifelong learners, and servant leaders. We will continue to steward this opportunity prayerfully, ensuring that our mission, values, and school autonomy remain fully protected.
How does OCS receive my TEFA funds?
Odyssey serves as the organization responsible for helping families apply, access their funds, and pay for approved educational expenses. Odyssey will manage the parent portals to guide families through the application process, allow them to search for eligible schools and service providers, and access their accounts to pay for eligible education expenses.
At Ovilla Christian School, TEFA funds must be prioritized and used toward tuition first. Remaining funds may then be used for other educational expenses via the Marketplace. OCS is a vendor; we do not deal directly with Odyssey. It is the parents’ responsibility to authorize and release TEFA funds to Ovilla Christian School through the Odyssey Dashboard.
Parents use the Odyssey Parent Portal to manage their student's funds and make approved purchases through the platform. Please watch this helpful video to understand how to make tuition payments through the Odyssey Dashboard.
As much as possible, please direct your questions to Odyssey through their online chat, a phone call, or through a support request.
FlynnO’Hara (uniform vendor)
While FlynnO’Hara is an approved TEFA vendor, the Odyssey platform is not currently configured to support a seamless uniform purchasing experience for families at this time. FlynnO’Hara is actively working with Odyssey to explore solutions for future uniform purchases using TEFA funds. The goal is that a process can be established in time for the 2027 back-to-school season. Please see this PDF from from FlynnO’Hara for additional details.
Crave-It Nutrition (lunch vendor)
Crave-It Nutrition is an approved TEFA vendor. Through the Odyssey platform, you may allocate TEFA funds to your student’s lunch accounts (if there are funds remaining after tuition has been paid in full, per the school’s policy.)
Will academics, admission standards, or our Christian values be impacted?
No. OCS will not accept or retain funding that undermines religious liberty or school autonomy. We will continue to monitor the program rules and regulations closely to ensure ongoing alignment.