new for Texas families

Texas families — a new education funding program is here

The limited-time scholarship is officially open — your child may qualify for funds for tutoring!

New for Texas families

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 FundsUp to $400

Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) helps eligible families pay for literacy tutoring for their young readers.

applications open Fall 2026 PDSES: Special Education GrantOne-time $1,500

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 open TEFA: Education Freedom Accounts$1 Billion in Funding

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) provide state funding for private school, homeschool, and other approved education paths.

2026–27 closed; 2027–28 ahead

Personalized support. Proven results.

Sylvan’s certified tutors create custom learning plans that help every student build confidence and succeed.

Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS)

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

Create your account and confirm eligibility at pass.tea.texas.gov when applications open this fall.

A student smiling during a tutoring session

Sylvan’s certified tutors build a personalized reading plan around exactly where your child is, so every session moves them forward.

Parent Directed Special Education Services (PDSES)

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 worksOne-time $1,500 grant

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

Apply through the PDSES Parent Portal at parentportal.spedtex.org, and join the 2026–2027 interest list to hear when the application window opens.

Tutoring is an approved PDSES service, so eligible families can put their grant toward Sylvan’s personalized instruction.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

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.

$10,474Private school, per year

Up to $30,000Student with an IEP or 504, per year

$2,000Homeschool or other approved setting, per year

Approved expenses can include tutoring, so eligible families can put TEFA funds toward Sylvan support.

Where the program stands: The 2026–27 application window has closed, and more than 100,000 students have already been awarded. The next application window (2027–28) has not opened yet. Join the state’s interest list at educationfreedom.texas.gov so you are first to know when it does.

Once your TEFA funds are active, eligible families can use them for Sylvan tutoring and academic support.

Why Sylvan

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.

Personalized tutoring

Reading & math support

Study skills & academic coaching

Confidence-building instruction

Key dates

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.

Getting started

How to get ready

1Check Eligibility

See whether your child qualifies for PASS, PDSES, or the next TEFA window

2Create Your Account

Set up your account or join the interest list on the official program portal

3Choose Sylvan

Select Sylvan as your tutoring provider

4Start Strong

We build the plan and get your child moving forward

Get ready to make the most of it

Whether you are preparing for PASS this fall or planning ahead for TEFA, Sylvan is ready to help your child move forward. Let us build the plan.

Call 888-EDUCATE

check what you qualify for today — the Sylvan team

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, parentportal.spedtex.org, and educationfreedom.texas.gov. Sylvan Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Texas Education Agency or the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.