A new state program that provides money to help pay for private school tuition and fees, like at Yellowstone’s lower school. (Yellowstone’s 6th-12th grade is a tuition-free public charter school and currently ineligible for funding, but we’re still encouraging you to apply so you’re covered for future opportunities.)

Yellowstone works hard to make our high-quality, faith-filled education accessible to all families—asking families to pay little or nothing. But it costs $18,862.47 each year to educate one Yellowstone student.

We raise 100% of the cost of tuition for lower school students and the gap between public funding and actual costs for upper school. That model isn’t sustainable forever. That’s why we’re asking all Yellowstone families—lower and upper* alike—to apply for the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.

Families could receive $10,474 per child per year to support tuition. These funds will strengthen our ability to provide an excellent education for your child and keep Yellowstone affordable for future generations.

We’ll guide you through every step. And, we’re still committed to making sure cost never stands in the way of your child’s place at Yellowstone.

Most families we serve will qualify for $10,474 in tuition assistance through the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. All lower school families will be required to apply as part of the admissions process, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you apply for TEFA, receive funding, and allocate the total to Yellowstone, you will continue to pay little to nothing out of pocket for your student. All Yellowstone families will continue to receive some form of financial assistance.

The TEFA application requires families to verify identity and eligibility. Common items families should expect to provide:

• Driver's license or state ID

• The first two pages of your tax return (Tax Form 1040) for either 2024 or 2025

• Have your personal Social Security number available, as well as each one of your kids' Social Security numbers available.

If your child’s SSN can’t be verified, you will need their birth certificate. Visit this link to view the complete list of items.

If applicable (for prioritization / special circumstances):

• Special education documentation (ex: IEP or required verification forms), submitted before the deadline when applicable

Children are eligible if they are U.S. citizens and reside in Texas. The parent must be a Texas resident. If funding is limited, priority will be given to students with disabilities and low-income families. Funds can be used for private school tuition, like at Yellowstone School’s PreK-5th grade program.

Not necessarily. If applications exceed available funding, a lottery will decide placement.

State law sets this priority order:

1. Siblings of children already in the program (after the first round of selections).

2. Children with a disability who are members of a household with income below 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL). See the chart below.

3. Children from households under 200% FPL.

4. Children from households between 200% to 500% percent FPL.

5. Children from households above 500% FPL, prioritized by children who were enrolled in a Texas public school district.

If, during an application period, there are more acceptable applications for admission than available positions, a waitlist will be established based on the priority categories listed.

The child's parent can submit an application. A parent means a Texas resident who is a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, legal guardian, custodian, or other person with legal authority to act on behalf of a child.

Visit the the TEFA state site by clicking here.