Texas School Vouchers
These programs allow approved families to use state education funds for certain non-public school educational expenses. Funding is not automatic — families must apply and be approved.
- Last updated on the original site
IllustrativeIllustrative photo — a real image for this guide is still needed.
This guide includes seasonal or dated information. Dates, prices and availability may have changed — please confirm with each organizer before you go.
Texas Families: You May Now Qualify for Education Funding — Here’s What to Know
Texas is launching education funding programs often called:
- School vouchers
- Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
- Education Freedom Accounts
These programs allow approved families to use state education funds for certain non-public school educational expenses. Funding is not automatic — families must apply and be approved.
Who may qualify?
Eligibility can include:
- Private school students
- Homeschool students
- Students with special learning needs
Funding amounts may vary depending on how the child is educated. In many cases, students enrolled in participating private schools qualify for larger funding amounts, while homeschool-only families may qualify for smaller education-use stipends. If you qualify, you will be placed into a lottery system; not everyone who qualifies will get rewarded a stipend.
What can the funds be used for?
Approved education funds may help pay for:
- Private school tuition
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Tutoring services
- Educational therapies
- Approved learning programs and services
Funds typically must be used through approved vendors or providers.
What homeschool families should know
Homeschooling in Texas does not change. Families are not required to participate in any voucher or ESA program.
If a homeschool family chooses to participate, there may be:
- application requirements
- spending guidelines
- reporting requirements
Many families are taking time to review details before deciding whether to apply.
Why are schools talking about vouchers right now?
Private schools are preparing for the new funding options and informing families that financial assistance may now be available. Because the program is new, details are still being clarified, which is why families may hear different information from different sources.
Here is a quote from a local private school…
“We are cautiously thrilled that many more parents will be able to offer their children a school option tailored to their individual needs and passions. Boerne has long needed more variety in school options, and Gratitude School is growing in response to that need. TEFA funding will allow us to share our intentional, values-driven approach with children and teenagers we couldn't reach before, and our parents are feeling excited and blessed.”
- Elizabeth Sutton, Founder and Director of Gratitude School (opens in a new tab)
What should families do next?
- Ask schools whether they participate in the program
- Review application timelines carefully
- Stay updated through official sources like the Texas Education Agency
Apply for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Key details
- Applications opened February 4, 2026
- Deadline: March 17, 2026
- You will create a parent account, enter student information, and upload residency documents
- Applications are submitted online through the Texas Comptroller ESA portal
Originally published by Boerne Love at www.boernelove.org/texas-school-vouchers.
