TEXAS – Texas’ new school choice program is already seeing record-breaking demand.
More than 100,000 Texas families have applied for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program in less than two weeks, according to state leaders.
Officials say it marks the largest launch of a new school choice program in the nation’s history.
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the milestone Monday.
“The TEFA program receiving more than 100,000 applications in less than two weeks proves that families overwhelmingly want school choice,” Abbott said. “Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them.”
The program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock.
Hancock also praised the response from families across the state.
“Texas families are embracing a new era of educational freedom at historic levels,” Hancock said. “For years, parents have asked for more control and more choices when it comes to their children’s education. Texas is delivering, and families are seizing the opportunity.”
What is the Texas Education Freedom Account Program?
The TEFA program was created by Senate Bill 2 and signed into law by Governor Abbott.
According to the Governor’s Office, the law provides $1 billion in funding for families wanting more academic choices for their children.
The program allows approved families to use allotted funds toward:
- Tuition expenses
- Transportation costs
- Other approved educational expenses
State officials say the program is designed to give parents flexibility in choosing the best education setting for their child.
“Texas families are now more in control of their child’s academic success, regardless of their location or income,” Abbott said.
Who is applying?
A newly released fact sheet from the Comptroller’s Office shows seven in 10 applicants are from low- or middle-income households, the groups prioritized under Senate Bill 2.
If applications exceed available funding, the state says:
- Funds will be distributed through a lottery system
- Students with disabilities and students from low- and middle-income households will be prioritized
- The program is not first come, first served
- The timing of a family’s application does not affect their position in the lottery
“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.”
Who can apply?
According to the state:
- All Texas children are eligible to apply if they live in Texas and are a United States citizen.
- Applications opened February 4, 2026.
- The deadline to apply is March 17, 2026.
- Families can apply at any point during the application window without impacting their chances of receiving funding.
The program continues to accept online applications.
For more information, including a list of participating schools, families can visit the state’s official TEFA website.