Less than two weeks after applications opened for Texas’ new school choice program, more than 100,000 students have already applied for Education Freedom Accounts, according to the Texas comptroller’s office.
The early surge marks what state officials say is the largest launch of a new school choice program in the nation’s history, with the application window still open for more than a month.
Eligible students may receive more than $10,000 annually for private school expenses, up to $30,000 for students with disabilities, or about $2,000 for homeschooling costs.
Lawmakers allocated roughly $1 billion for the program’s first year, an amount projected to support about 100,000 students statewide. With applications already surpassing that figure, final participation levels will likely depend on lottery selection and eligibility verification.
With interest already approaching the program’s initial capacity, the early response may increase pressure on lawmakers to consider expanding the program next legislative session.
“Texas families are embracing a new era of educational freedom at historic levels,” Acting Comptroller Kelly 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.”
Applications for the program opened February 4 following passage of Senate Bill 2 last year, after Gov. Greg Abbott made school choice a top legislative priority.
“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. 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.”
Under the Education Freedom Account program, eligible families may receive state funds for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, and other approved educational services beginning with the 2026–27 school year.
Officials have emphasized that the program is not first come, first served. Families who apply before the March 17 deadline will be eligible for participation, and if demand exceeds available funding, recipients will be selected through a lottery that prioritizes students with disabilities and students from low- and middle-income households. The timing of a family’s application does not affect their chances in the lottery.
A fact sheet from the Comptroller’s office indicates that applicants reflect a wide range of income levels across the state. Roughly seven in 10 applicants fall within the income groups prioritized under the law.
The same data shows that most applicants intend to use the program for private school enrollment, while a smaller share plans to use funds for homeschooling or other educational arrangements.
“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.”
Nathan Cunneen, Texas state director for the American Federation for Children, said the early response signals strong interest from families and could shape future legislative discussions about the program’s size.
“This six-figure application milestone is a powerful testament to how popular education freedom is in Texas,” Cunneen said. “Families are embracing the opportunity to customize their child’s education, and we are proud the program has launched so efficiently and effectively to meet that demand.”
He added that the number of applicants already suggests demand may outstrip available funding in the program’s first year.
“Texas lawmakers should take note and prepare to fully fund the program waitlist in future legislative sessions so that every family who wants a choice can access it,” Cuneen added.
The application portal will remain open through March 17, with funds expected to be distributed to approved participants ahead of the next school year.
