Texas Families — A New Education Funding Program Is Here
The limited-time scholarship is officially open — your child may qualify for funds for tutoring!
Texas Funding for Your Child’s Learning
Texas has launched new ways to help families invest in learning, from reading tutoring to education freedom accounts. Here is what is available and how to get ready.
Three distinct state programs can help you support your child. Find the one that fits your family, or use more than one if you qualify.
PASS: Reading Tutoring Funds
Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) helps eligible families pay for literacy tutoring for their young readers.
Applications open Fall 2026PDSES: Special Education Grant
Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) gives families of students with an IEP a grant to spend on tutoring, materials, and services.
2026-27 interest list openTEFA: Education Freedom Accounts
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) provide state funding for private school, homeschool, and other approved education paths.
2026-27 closed. 2027-28 ahead.
Up to $400 Toward Reading Tutoring
PASS is a new Texas program that helps families give their young readers focused, personalized support, with state funding to help cover the cost.
Who It Is For
PASS is open to families whose child scored Did Not Meet Grade Level on the Grade 3 reading (RLA) STAAR assessment. If that is your family, this funding was built with your reader in mind.
The details
- Award: up to $400 for literacy tutoring
- Timing: applications open Fall 2026
- Use funds for parent-selected tutoring, in person or virtual
A $1,500 Grant for Special Education Families
PDSES gives families of students in special education a one-time grant to spend on the materials and services their child needs, including tutoring.
Who It Is For
PDSES supports families whose child receives special education services in a Texas public school. If that is your family, this grant helps you choose the support that fits your child best.
Your child qualifies if they
- Are enrolled in a Texas public school, Pre-K through grade 12
- Receive special education services through an IEP
- Have not received a PDSES grant before (it is a one-time grant)
PDSES is awarded first-come, first-served while funds last.
How the Grant Works
Families use an online account to shop an approved marketplace for what their child needs, such as:
- Tutoring and additional therapy services
- Curriculum and learning materials
- Technology and devices
State Funding for the School Path You Choose
In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2, creating the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program and putting $1 billion behind families who choose private school, homeschool, or other approved education paths for their children.
Approved expenses can include tutoring, so eligible families can put TEFA funds toward Sylvan support.
Personalized Support. Proven Results.
Sylvan’s certified tutors create a custom learning plan for every student, so progress is real and confidence grows right along with it.
What Is Next, and When
PASS
Applications open Fall 2026 for eligible Grade 3 readers.
PDSES
Awarded first-come, first-served. The 2026-2027 interest list is open now.
TEFA
2026-27 window closed, with more than 100,000 students awarded. The 2027-28 interest list is open now.
How to Get Ready
Check Eligibility
See whether your child qualifies for PASS, PDSES, or the next TEFA window
Create Your Account
Set up your account or join the interest list on the official program portal
Choose Sylvan
Select Sylvan as your tutoring provider
Start Strong
We build the plan and get your child moving forward
Eligibility, funding amounts, and program timelines are set by the State of Texas and may change. Confirm current details and apply through the official state sites: pass.tea.texas.gov, educationfreedom.texas.gov, and spedtex.org. Sylvan Learning is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Texas Education Agency or the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.