What Texas Families Need to Know About TEFA and Novatio

If you're a Texas family exploring Novatio School, two separate processes are involved: getting accepted to Novatio and qualifying for TEFA funding. Understanding the difference between them will save you time and set realistic expectations from the start.

What is TEFA and how does it work for Texas families?

TEFA stands for Texas Education Freedom Account. It's a state funding program that allows eligible Texas families to direct a portion of their child's education funding toward an approved private school. For families who receive a TEFA award, it can cover Novatio's $8,500 annual tuition in full.

TEFA funding is not universally awarded. Not every Texas family who applies will receive it, and Novatio has no control over whether a family qualifies or what award amount the state approves.

Does Novatio accept students without academic requirements?

Yes. Novatio has no academic entry requirements. All applicants to Novatio are accepted regardless of grades, test scores, current academic level, or prior school performance.

Acceptance to Novatio and approval for TEFA funding are two separate things. Your child can be accepted to Novatio while you're still in the process of applying for and receiving a TEFA award.

What does Novatio cost for Texas families?

Novatio's tuition for Texas families is $8,500 per school year. For students who receive a TEFA award, that funding can cover the full tuition amount.

Families who don't receive a TEFA award, or who receive a partial award, would need to cover the remaining balance themselves. Novatio does not control TEFA approval, and no one at Novatio can guarantee that your family will receive funding.

What happens after a family receives a TEFA award?

Once your family has received a TEFA award, you can select Novatio through the TEFA portal and complete Novatio's enrollment requirements. Your admissions contact can walk you through exactly what documentation and steps are needed at that point.

If you have questions about special education support, IEP documentation, or how additional support services are funded, those details are best discussed directly with Novatio's admissions team, since funding rules and individual circumstances vary.

What does a school day at Novatio actually look like?

Novatio is a Cognia-accredited virtual private school for grades 2 through 8. Students complete approximately two hours of focused, personalized core academics each morning, working on subjects like math, reading, English, science, and social studies. The work within each subject is personalized to where your child actually is, not where their grade level assumes they should be.

Afternoons are built around live clubs focused on practical skills, creativity, and real-world challenges. Certified teachers are available throughout the school day to provide guidance, answer questions, and step in when a student gets stuck.

There's no homework. Novatio is designed so students complete their assigned academic work during the school day.

You can learn more about how Novatio's curriculum works and what subjects and clubs are included.

What if my child has an IEP or 504?

Novatio supports students with a range of learning differences, including students who have IEPs or 504 plans. Additional support services are available and carry an additional cost.

For students with an IEP or 504, those additional costs may be covered by the state. Because funding rules and documentation requirements are specific to each family's situation, Novatio recommends speaking directly with the admissions team before assuming what will or won't be covered.

You can find more detail about what's available through Novatio's special education support program.

Trade-offs worth knowing before you apply

Novatio is a strong fit for families who want personalized academics, direct teacher support, and a manageable daily schedule. It's a virtual school, so your child won't be in a physical classroom, and the afternoon clubs are the primary social structure during the school day.

TEFA funding makes Novatio financially accessible for many Texas families, but the approval process takes time and isn't guaranteed. Starting the TEFA application early gives your family more options.

If your child needs clinical services like speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, those aren't provided through Novatio. Families who need that level of support should plan for those services separately.

How do Texas families get started?

The first step is to apply for TEFA funding through the state. While that process is underway, you're welcome to learn more about Novatio and ask any questions about fit, support, or what enrollment involves.

If you'd like to talk through whether Novatio is the right match for your child, book a 1:1 call with Karissa. It's a no-commitment conversation, and it's the fastest way to get answers specific to your family's situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Texas family who applies for TEFA receive funding?

No. TEFA funding is not universally awarded. Families need to apply separately through the state, and approval is not guaranteed. Novatio accepts students without academic entry requirements, but TEFA approval is determined by the state, not by Novatio.

Can TEFA cover Novatio's full tuition?

For families who receive a TEFA award, it can cover Novatio's $8,500 annual tuition in full. Families who receive a partial award or no award would need to cover the remaining balance themselves.

Does my child need to meet academic requirements to be accepted to Novatio?

No. All applicants to Novatio are accepted. Novatio does not screen students based on grades, test scores, or academic level. Admission to Novatio and approval for TEFA funding are separate processes.

What if my child has an IEP or needs extra academic support?

Novatio offers additional support services for students with IEPs and 504 plans, including executive-function coaching, targeted reading support, and dyslexia intervention. Additional services carry an extra cost, which may be covered by the state depending on your child's documentation. Contact Novatio's admissions team for details specific to your situation.

How long does a Novatio school day take?

Students complete approximately two hours of focused core academics each morning. Afternoons include live clubs. There's no homework, so the school day is designed to be finished by midday for most students.