Every student deserves a school that fits their life.
Smart Schools is an accredited online school serving students in grades 6-12, with a primary focus on helping students succeed in high school and earn an accredited diploma. Whether your student needs more flexibility, a different learning environment, or additional support, we’re here to help them move confidently toward graduation.
A School Built Around Your Student
No two students learn the same way. That’s why Smart Schools combines flexible online learning with personalized support to help students stay engaged, make progress, and reach graduation.
While we proudly serve students in grades 6-12, our programs, educators, and support model are designed around helping students successfully navigate high school and prepare for whatever comes next.
- Flexible Online Learning: Students learn from anywhere in Texas with a schedule that fits around their life while maintaining the structure needed for academic success.
- Personalized Support: Students receive encouragement and guidance from caring educators who are invested in helping them succeed.
- Accredited Education: Students attend an accredited online private school while working toward a recognized high school diploma.
- Designed for Real Life: Whether your student is balancing work, athletics, family responsibilities, health challenges, or simply needs a different educational environment, Smart Schools provides the flexibility to keep moving forward.
- Exceptional Student Services (ESS): IEP and 504 services are available. Our staff will work with your student’s needs to ensure their success.
Why Families Choose Smart Schools
Choosing the right school is about finding a place where your student can thrive.
Smart Schools combines the flexibility families want with the accountability and support students need.
Added benefits to students:
- Professional and caring educators invested in student success
- Dedicated academic advisor who remains with the student from enrollment to graduation
- A welcoming online learning community
- A clear path toward earning an accredited high school diploma
About the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program is a statewide school choice program that provides eligible families with state-funded education dollars to customize their child’s education. Funds may be used for approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools, online learning programs, curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and other qualifying services.
For many Texas families, the program makes it easier to choose an educational option that better meets their student’s individual needs.
Texas EFA Program at a Glance
| Official Program Name | Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program |
| Annual Funding | Approximately $10,500 per student; up to $30,000 for qualifying students with disabilities; $2,000 for participating homeschool students |
| Eligible Students | All Texas K–12 students who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States and are eligible to attend a Texas school district or open-enrollment charter school are are eligible to apply. If applications exceed available funding, priority is given according to state criteria. Students receiving an ESA cannot simultaneously remain enrolled full-time in a public or charter school. |
| Income Requirements | While the program does not have strict income requirements, household income factors into the state’s prioritization when eligible applicants exceed available funding. Details are available on the Texas Education Freedom Accounts website for the current school year. |
| Administered By | The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will oversee the program to ensure funds are used properly. Odyssey was selected as the certified educational assistance organization (CEAO) that will help with administration of the program under the Comptroller’s oversight. |
| Approved Uses | Private school tuition, online learning, curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and other approved educational expenses. |
How to Use the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program with Smart Schools
1
Step 1 Apply for TEFA Funding
Complete your application through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website to determine your student’s eligibility for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program. Please note: if demand for TEFA accounts exceeds available funding, funding will be allocated by lottery. The lottery will prioritize applications in priority tiers based on criteria decided by the state.
Apply for a TEFA2
Step 2 Talk with Smart Schools
Our enrollment specialists will answer your questions, explain how Smart Schools works, and help determine whether we’re the right fit for your student.
Contact Smart Schools3
Step 3 Complete Enrollment & Start Learning
Once your TEFA funding is approved, we’ll guide you through the enrollment process so your student can begin learning and working toward an accredited high school diploma. Please note: Smart Schools is listed in the ‘Classes’ category, not the ‘Schools’ category on the online vendor discovery tool.
View listingSee If Smart Schools is Right For Your Family
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program or you’re ready to enroll, our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Give Your Student a School That Fits Their Life
Every student’s path is different.
Smart Schools provides the flexibility, support, and accredited education students need to stay on track and graduate with confidence. It’s a great fit for students who:
- Need more flexibility than a traditional school provides
- Learn better in an online environment
- Want to work at their own pace
- Balance school with work, athletics, or family responsibilities
- Need a fresh start in a supportive learning environment
- Are looking for an accredited school that keeps them moving toward graduation
If you’re exploring the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program, we’d love to help you determine whether Smart Schools is the right fit for your family.