FAQs Archive - Regents Academy

Q: What Should Parents Do Now?

If you are a parent interested in your options, here are a few steps to take now: 1. Learn About the TEFA Program – Understand the eligibility tiers and whether your family may qualify. 2. Research Accredited Schools – Only schools accredited for at least two years can participate. (Regents meets both criteria.) 3. Start the Admissions Process Early – Schools like Regents often have limited space. Waiting until TEFA funds are distributed could mean missing available spots. 4. Stay Informed on Deadlines – Applications for families will open on February 4, 2026 and close on March 17, 2026. Award notifications to families will go out the week of April 6th. 5. Ask Questions – Contact schools directly to understand how they are participating and what their admissions requirements are.

Q: How is Qualification is Determined?

All families interested in TEFA funding will apply at the same time when the application window opens in February 2026. The state will then review applications and determine eligibility. Here's what to expect: Step 1: Apply - Parents submit an application through the state's TEFA portal in February 2026. Step 2: Provide financial documents - Families will likely need to upload their most recently filed IRS tax return (2024 return if the 2025 return is not yet filed). The state will use this to verify household income. Step 3: Sorting into priority groups - The state will place families into one of the four categories (students with disabilities, low-income, middle-income, or higher-income). Step 4: Notification - By March-May 2026, families will be informed whether they qualify and what funding amount they are awarded. Families do not need to prove eligibility in advance — the determination happens after applying. Once awarded, TEFA funding rolls forward annually as long as eligibility requirements are met.

Q: What is the 2026-2027 TEFA Timeline?

December 2025 : Schools decide whether to opt in and apply to participate. Only accredited private schools in operation for at least two years are eligible. February 2026 : Applications open for families. March-May 2026 : Families are notified whether they qualify and how much funding they will receive. July 2026 : TEFA funds begin applying to tuition and other expenses for the 2026-2027 school year. This means parents interested in private school options should begin exploring now, before applications open.

Q: What is Senate Bill 2?

SB2 sets aside $1 billion to fund TEFAs for eligible families. Unlike traditional "school vouchers," which are limited to private schools, TEFAs are more flexible. Funds can be used not only for private school tuition but also for homeschooling resources, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.