Texas families can begin applying for the state's new school voucher program on February 4, 2026, with the application window closing in mid-March.
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May 2025, represents the largest school voucher initiative in the nation. The program will officially launch for the 2026-27 school year and allows families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and education-related expenses.
Funding Amounts
Most participating families will receive approximately $10,300 per year for each child enrolled in the program. This amount represents 85% of what public schools receive through state and local funding per student.
Students with disabilities who qualify for special education services can receive up to $30,000 annually, which includes the base amount plus additional funding for special education needs. Homeschool families are eligible for up to $2,000 per year, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Eligibility and Priority System
Nearly all Texas school-age children can apply for the program, including students already attending private schools. The state allocated $1 billion for the first two years, with the program capped at approximately 90,000 students initially.
If applications exceed available funding, the state will use a lottery system with the following priority tiers:
- Students with disabilities from families earning at or below $160,000 annually (500% of the federal poverty level for a family of four)
- Families earning at or below $64,300 annually (200% of the poverty level)
- Families earning between $64,300 and $160,000 annually
- Families earning above $160,000 (limited to 20% of total program budget)
Read more: National School Voucher Program Passes Congress To Help Families Pay for Educational Expenses
Approved Expenses and Restrictions
Families can use TEFA funds for various education-related expenses, including private school tuition and fees, curriculum and textbooks, tutoring services, therapy, transportation, and technology purchases limited to 10% of total funds. The money flows through education savings accounts managed by the software company Odyssey, functioning as digital platforms where families can purchase approved items from state-certified vendors.
Private schools must apply to participate in the program and meet specific accreditation requirements. As of December 21, approximately 600 private schools and 200 vendors had already enrolled, CBS News reported.
Important Considerations
Private schools participating in the program are not required to change their admissions processes and can deny entry to any student. Additionally, private schools are not required to follow federal special education laws regarding accommodations for students with disabilities.
Students receiving voucher funds must take a nationally recognized standardized assessment annually, with results reported to parents and state-certified organizations. However, participating students will not be required to take the STAAR test that Texas public school students must complete.
Families approved for the program who remain in good standing will not need to reapply each year. The state expects to send first award notifications in early April 2026, with funds distributed by summer 2026, as per Fox7 Austin.
