On Wednesday, the state officially began accepting applications for its new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. Parents could receive nearly $11,000 dollars to send their child to a private school.
Back in May of 2025, Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement: “Today, school choice becomes law in the state of Texas.” Now, applications have begun flowing into the comptroller’s office in hopes of getting a piece of the $1 billion allocated for qualified families.
Certain students and households will be given priority. They include students with disabilities, low-income families, middle-income families, and students from under-performing schools around the state.
Supporters have tried allay many of the concerns that have been voiced, including that only elite private schools with no openings are being included.
“We did an analysis of this, and there are probably about 100,000 open seats in private schools right now,” said Laura Colangelo with Texas Private Schools Association.
It’s also not widely known that vouchers are offered for private pre-k as well. Kids currently enrolled in the state’s free pre-k program automatically qualify.
“You can also qualify if your child is unable to speak or comprehend English, or a child experiencing homelessness,” said Catherine Davis with Child Care Associates.
Families of homeschooled children who won’t be attending a private school could also receive up to $2000 a year.
Applications can be found at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
