AUSTIN, Texas — Texas families can begin applying for the state’s new $1 billion school voucher program, Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), on Feb. 4, state officials announced. The program provides education savings accounts (ESAs) for students who wish to enroll in private or non-public schools.
Most participating families will receive about $10,000 per student annually, or 85% of the state’s per-student funding for public schools. Homeschooled students are eligible for $2,000, while students with disabilities may receive up to $30,000, depending on individual needs. Funds can be used for tuition, uniforms, meals, approved online or out-of-state programs, transportation, and pre-kindergarten education, but may not be used to pay family members.
If applications exceed available funding, the state will use a lottery system to determine recipients. Priority will be given to students with disabilities from families earning up to about $240,000 for a family of four, followed by students from households earning around $60,000 to $240,000. Families earning more than $240,000 will receive the lowest priority. Initial funds are expected to be available to some families as early as July.
The program was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May under Senate Bill 2. Supporters say it expands parental choice, while critics argue it diverts resources from public schools. “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned by government,” Abbott said. Opponents, including state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, have warned that funding public schools could be negatively affected.
A fiscal analysis by the state projects that 87% of applicants will be students already enrolled in private schools, a trend seen in other states with similar programs. Education researchers note that many recipients may come from middle- to upper-income families and that the long-term academic impact of switching from public to private schools is uncertain. Standardized testing requirements for private school students in Texas will differ from public school students, limiting direct performance comparisons.
Experts say awareness of the program is still low. A survey by the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Center found that more than half of Texas parents had not heard of TEFA, though 40% said they would apply if informed. Researchers emphasized that clear outreach and guidance will be critical for families to make informed decisions about the program.