More than 274,000 students have applied for Texas’ new school choice program, marking a higher-than-expected response as the extended application window closed March 31.
According to the comptroller’s office, 274,183 applications were submitted for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program—more than double the number lawmakers initially budgeted to serve in the program’s first year.
“It’s official: a record-breaking launch for education freedom in Texas! Next: award notices in April, funding in July—after thorough review to protect taxpayer dollars,” acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock said in a statement.
The application deadline was extended by a federal judge as lawsuits continue over the program’s eligibility rules, particularly involving Islamic private schools that were initially excluded over concerns about potential ties to terrorist organizations.
As part of that ongoing litigation, some Islamic schools have been allowed to participate in the application process while the case proceeds.
The legal dispute has also coincided with a broader rift between Hancock and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who recently withdrew his office from representing the comptroller in the case, citing a breakdown in their working relationship.
The TEFA program allows eligible families to use state funds for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling, and other instructional costs. Participation is determined through a lottery system based on student and family need, rather than the timing of applications.
Gov. Greg Abbott said this week the program is expected to reshape education in the state by expanding parental choice and increasing competition among schools.
“It’s going to turn out to be very, very effective,” Abbott said. “It will achieve one of our goals, and that’s to ensure that parents are empowered to choose the education pathway best for them. But another goal it will achieve … is to ensure that school choice turns into school competition.”
“That will mean that every education entity will be competing to do a better job for their students, whether it be homeschool, charter school, public school or private school,” he added.
Nathan Cunneen, Texas state director for the American Federation for Children, also praised the program’s rollout.
“AFC applauds acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and other school choice champions for their visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to delivering more educational options for Texas families,” Cunneen said. “TEFA’s massively successful launch is a testament to what can be accomplished when leaders prioritize students and empower parents.”
Demand for the program has far exceeded expectations, setting up a competitive selection process as state officials prepare to begin awarding accounts this month. Funding is expected to be distributed beginning in July.
An injunction hearing in the federal case is scheduled for later this month.
