October 14, 2025

Blessed Sacrament Families,

As a Catholic school family, you’ve already made an incredible investment in your child’s future. With the new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, beginning in 2026, your family may qualify to receive approximately $10,000 per child, per year to cover tuition and other costs. 

For many of our current families, ESA funds will work alongside Hope for the Future, making Catholic education more affordable and sustainable than ever before. 

We are committed to keeping you informed and walking with you step by step. 

To learn more about this exciting new opportunity, please review the information and guides provided below, or visit the TEFA Information Page from the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,

Michael Fierro

Principal

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is excited to begin preparations for the launch of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs), a transformative opportunity that will empower families to choose the educational path that best meets the needs of their children. Beginning with the 2026/2027 school year, this program has the potential to significantly reduce, and in many cases, eliminate, financial barriers for families seeking a high-quality, faith-based education.

We encourage all families to learn more about TEFAs and explore how this program could make a lasting impact on their child’s educational journey. Whether you are currently part of our school community or considering joining us, TEFAs may offer expanded access to Catholic education that was previously out of reach for many.

To help you get started, we’ve provided a convenient at-a-glance guide that outlines:

  • How the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program works
  • The various income-based eligibility tiers
  • What families can expect during the application process

We look forward to supporting our community as we move toward a future where every family has the freedom to choose the education that reflects their values, goals, and aspirations.

Aligned with the priorities of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program places special emphasis on supporting students with documented learning differences who may be seeking a more suitable educational environment.

This includes current Catholic school families whose children have diagnosed special needs, as well as families considering a transition to Catholic education for better individualized support. These students are part of Tier 1 Focus, which prioritizes eligibility and access under the TEFA program.

We warmly invite families who may qualify under this priority tier to explore how TEFAs could provide the resources and flexibility needed to better support their child’s academic and personal development in a faith-based setting.

To learn more about Tier 1 Focus and how your family may benefit, please review the informational guide below or reach out to our school’s Principal at michael.fierro@blessedschool.com or (210) 824-3381.

We recognize that some of our families, particularly those currently receiving assistance through Hope for the Future, may also qualify for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) based on household income.

While TEFA has the potential to significantly expand access to tuition assistance, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School cannot guarantee eligibility or acceptance into the program. Therefore, we strongly encourage all families to continue applying for Hope for the Future for the 2026/2027 school year to ensure they have the best possible financial support in place.

To help families understand how both programs may complement one another, the Archdiocese of San Antonio has provided a helpful resource outlining how TEFA and Hope for the Future will work together to maximize tuition assistance for students.

We invite all families to review this guide and reach out to our school office with any questions or for additional support.