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What does Texas ESA cover?
Search a specific purchase against Texas Education Freedom Accounts's published expense rules.
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.
Your state's program makes the final decision. A purchase made with your own card may not be paid back.
Check a specific Texas ESA expense
Wondering whether Texas ESA covers a laptop, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, swim lessons, piano lessons or speech therapy? Enter the exact item in the checker above. Then review the program rule and payment conditions before buying.
All expense categories and Texas rules
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.
Next
Before buying: The program decides whether the exact item and payment route qualify. A direct card purchase may not be reimbursed.
More about ESA purchase decisions
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.