Texas families who applied for the state’s new school choice program could begin finding out as soon as this week whether they’ve been approved for funding.
According to the state’s Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, notification emails are expected to start going out in late April, with some families—particularly those in priority groups—already beginning to receive updates.
The program, created by lawmakers in 2025, allows families to use state funds for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other education-related expenses. For the upcoming 2026–27 school year, eligible students could receive about $10,400 per year, with significantly higher amounts—up to $30,000—for students with disabilities.
More than 270,000 students applied during the program’s first year, far exceeding available funding. State officials say that means not every applicant will be approved, and some families could be placed on a waitlist or denied based on eligibility and priority criteria.
Supporters of the program say it gives parents more control over their children’s education by allowing public funding to follow the student instead of being tied strictly to public schools.
Advocates argue the program expands access to private education and alternative learning environments, particularly for families seeking options that better align with their children’s needs. Some private school leaders say the funding could make those options more accessible to lower-income families who otherwise couldn’t afford tuition.
Opponents, however, raise concerns about the program’s impact on public education and whether it truly benefits the families who need it most.
Some lawmakers and education advocates argue that vouchers may not cover the full cost of private school tuition, leaving lower-income families unable to take advantage of the program. Others warn it could divert funding away from public schools, which still serve the vast majority of Texas students.
Critics have also pointed to data suggesting many applicants were already enrolled in private schools, raising questions about whether the program primarily expands access or subsidizes families already using private education.
Families who are approved will begin receiving funds later this summer, with initial payments expected to be distributed starting in July.
For now, many parents across Texas are watching their inboxes closely, waiting to learn whether they’ll be part of the state’s first wave of school choice funding.
