Can I buy a laptop or tablet with Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
With conditions. Computer hardware or software capped at 10% of total amount transferred to the child's account that year
What you can buy with Texas Education Freedom Accounts
16 kinds of expenses, each checked against the program's published rules as PencilGo read them on 2026-09-25. Pick one to see its vendors, or type an item to check it.
Is it covered by Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
Type what you want to buy, for example a product name, a class or a service. We check it against the program's published expense rules and show the rule.
- Try:
Every category, with the Texas rule
Covered: usually coveredDepends: covered with conditionsNot covered: usually not coveredNot stated: not stated by the program
- Covered
Private school tuition & fees
Tuition and fees at a private school, higher-ed provider, online course/program, or TEA-approved credential-training program.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Online school & virtual courses
Tuition and fees for an "online educational course or program" explicitly included.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Curriculum, textbooks & workbooks
Textbooks or other instructional materials.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Reading books & e-books
General reading books not addressed separately from required textbooks/instructional materials.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
School supplies & consumables
Not addressed separately from instructional materials on the families page.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Computers, tablets, software & internet
Computer hardware or software capped at 10% of total amount transferred to the child's account that year.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Tutoring
Private tutoring listed as an approved expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Classes, co-ops & camps
Fees for classes from a school district that do not count toward the district's average daily attendance.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Music, art & sports lessons
Music/art/sports lessons not explicitly addressed on the families page.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Educational therapies
Educational therapies not covered by federal, state, or local government benefits (e.g. Medicaid).
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Testing, exams & evaluations
Academic assessment costs listed as an approved expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
College courses, dual enrollment & CTE
Tuition/fees at a higher-education provider or industry-credential training program approved by TEA.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Transportation
Transportation to/from approved providers listed as an approved expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
School uniforms
Required uniforms listed as an approved expense.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Field trips, museums & educational travel
Not addressed on the families page.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Desks, instruments & learning equipment
Not addressed separately from the 10% technology cap.
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts explicitly excludes: Payments to a family member for any service; Technology purchases exceeding 10% of the year's account transfer.
Questions Texas families ask
Can I buy curriculum, workbooks and printable worksheets with Texas Education Freedom Accounts?
Yes. Textbooks or other instructional materials
Does Texas Education Freedom Accounts pay for music, art or sports lessons?
Texas Education Freedom Accounts's published guidance does not state whether music, art and sports lessons are eligible. Ask the program before buying.
Does Texas Education Freedom Accounts pay for tutoring?
Yes. Private tutoring listed as an approved expense
Next
Before using ESA funds. Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check Texas Education Freedom Accounts's current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.