By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
AUSTIN – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced last week that over 100,000 families have submitted applications to the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program.
Abbott celebrated this number as record-breaking for the state
“The TEFA program receiving more than 100,000 applications in less than two weeks proves that families overwhelmingly want school choice,” Abbott said.
This TEFA program is the largest launch of a new school choice program in the nation’s history.
The program allows eligible students to direct funding toward their choice of preapproved educational providers, also giving parents with school age children more flexibility to choose the best education for their child, which assists in their academic success.
The program, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock allows accepted families to enroll their children in a school of their choice using the allotted funds. The funds can be utilized to cover tuition expenses; transportation costs, also for private school; and includes students with specific IEPS, or homeschoolers.
It was on February 4 that Abbott announced to Texas families they could apply to the Texas Education Freedom Account program.
The program was created by Senate Bill 2 and signed into law by Abbott. The bill provides $1 billion in funding for families wanting more academic choices for their children.
“Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them. I congratulate Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for his unwavering support and dedication to this program’s monumental success. Texas families are now more in control of their child’s academic success, regardless of their location or income” Abbott said.
The TEFA program, which began accepting applications on February 4 will be open to accept online applications through March 17, 2026. All Texas children are eligible to apply if they live in Texas and are a United States citizen.
A fact sheet that was released by the Comptroller’s Office indicated to date seven in 10 applicants are from low- or middle-income households, the groups prioritized under Senate Bill 2.
It has been noted this is not a first-come, first-served program and families can apply any time during the application window and it will not affect a child’s ability to receive the funding.
However, if demand exceeds funding, a lottery will prioritize students with disabilities and those from low- or middle-income households.
It was also reported that roughly 80% of applicants who applied on the first day said they plan to attend a participating private school, with the remainder planning to home school.
“We want every eligible Texas family to know this program is built for them,” Hancock said. “The application is simple, mobile-friendly and takes just minutes to complete. This is about putting parents in the driver’s seat and giving every child the chance to learn in the environment that fits them best.”
The Comptroller’s office expects to send award notifications beginning in early April 2026.
Families can apply through the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website.
For more information, visit the official site at https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
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