If you’re a Texas parent, this matters. Hear me out.
I’m a proud parent of Texas public school students and a former Texas public school teacher. I believe deeply in public education. My own kids attend a great public school where their needs are met. But I also know that isn’t true for every family in Texas—and that’s why I’m paying close attention to the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.
For some families, the neighborhood school just isn’t the right fit. Some kids learn differently. Some have special needs. Others aren’t getting the academic outcomes their parents know they can achieve. This program gives families more options by allowing public education dollars to follow the student, and it prioritizes low and middle income families and those who have students with special needs.
Eligible families can use these funds for private school tuition, out-of-boundary district or charter schools, including online options, and other education-related expenses like pre-K, tutoring, curriculum, books, and even transportation.
Here’s what that looks like in real numbers: participating families can receive roughly $10,000 dollars per student per year, roughly 85% of what public schools receive. Students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000, depending on their needs. Homeschooling families can receive up to $2,000.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year open February 4, 2026, and close March 17. You’ll need documentation like Social Security or Taxpayer ID numbers, recent tax returns, and proof of Texas residency. Optional documents, like IEP documentation, can help with prioritization or additional funding. If applications exceed available funding, spots are assigned by lottery, not first come, first served.
More than 1,300 schools are already part of the program, with more added regularly. You don’t have to choose a school right away. You’ll confirm enrollment later this summer. So be sure to research the culture, curriculum, academic outcomes, and parent feedback of each school.
If you’re a parent, this is about tools. And this is one more tool to help you do what every parent wants: give your child the best education possible for their needs.
You can learn more about the program, research participating schools, and get the full application checklist at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
