Texas ESA and Voucher Program Timeline: What Parents and Schools Need to Know Before 2026

December 1, 2025 Update

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Final Rules Have Been Adopted (December 2025)

The Texas Comptroller's final adopted rules for the TEFA program supersede the November 2025 TEA guidance discussed in our November 20th Newsletter. Most significantly:

• Disability documentation requirements have changed: Medical certifications and SSI/SSDI letters are no longer accepted for lottery prioritization

• The final rules require documentation aligned with 19 TAC §89.1040 (special education eligibility standards)

• Several other program requirements have been clarified or modified

The Comptroller's final adopted rules are the official governing standard. Read our complete update here before taking action on your application.

Original Post:

Key dates are coming fast for the Texas ESA and voucher program. From fall 2025 applications to the fall 2026 launch, families and schools should start preparing now for what’s ahead.

The Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) Program is set to launch for the 2026-2027 school year, but the official and final rules from the Comptroller are not due until May 15, 2026. This creates a remarkably tight timeline between rule finalization and program launch.

Until now, there have been very few public clues about the implementation timeline. However, by analyzing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Certified Educational Assistance Organizations (CEAOs), the entities that will manage day-to-day program operations, we can piece together when parents, private schools, public schools, and educational vendors can expect key milestones to occur.

Important Note: This timeline is based on RFP documents and may be subject to delays and adjustments. Hard deadlines remain difficult to nail down given the compressed implementation schedule.

Timeline Overview

Here is a high-level look at how the Texas Education Savings Account program is expected to roll out before the 2026–27 school year and what that means for families, schools, and providers.

Fall 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Development

August - November 2025

While families won't see much activity yet, this period involves critical infrastructure development:

• Contract Awards: CEAOs selected and contracts executed (anticipated August 31 or alternative target October 16, 2025)

• System Development: Secure online application portals and payment systems built

• Security Compliance: Cybersecurity certifications and staff training completed

• Marketing Plans: Initial outreach strategies developed and approved by the Comptroller

Late Fall 2025: Provider Preparation Begins

November 2025 - Early 2026

The first visible signs of program activity for education providers:

• Private School Onboarding: CEAOs begin identifying and screening private schools at least 30 days before applications open

• Provider Screening: Education service providers and vendors begin the approval process

• Quality Verification: Schools must demonstrate accreditation, two years of operation, and assessment administration

Fall 2025: Application Window Opens

Timing: Fall 2025

The program becomes real for families:

• Student Applications Launch: 30-day application window opens for 2026-2027 school year

• Marketing Implementation: Active outreach to families begins

• Customer Service Activation: Support available for parents, schools, and providers (95% of calls answered within 60 seconds)

Early 2026: Selection and Verification

January - March 2026 (estimated)

Critical decision period for families:

• Eligibility Verification: CEAOs coordinate with the Texas Education Agency to confirm student eligibility

• Application Processing: Income, residency, and citizenship verification (100% accuracy within 5 business days)

• Prioritization: Students with disabilities and lower-income families are prioritized

• Lottery System: If oversubscribed, a fair selection process with sibling priority

• Family Notifications: Acceptance, waitlist, or denial notices sent

Early 2026: Marketplace Development

February - May 2026 (estimated)

Education options become available:

• Online Marketplace Creation: Approved providers and vendors are listed for easy family access

• Ongoing Provider Approvals: New providers added within 15 days of Comptroller approval

• Service Verification: All providers must meet location and Texas registration requirements

Mid-2026: Final Rule Implementation

May 15, 2026 Deadline

Official program rules established:

• Comptroller Rules Finalized: Complete program procedures and requirements published

• Final Preparations: Any necessary adjustments to systems and processes

Summer 2026: Financial Operations Begin

July 2026

Money starts flowing:

• Initial Funding: CEAOs receive at least 25% of each participant's allocation (by July 1)

• Account Establishment: Individual trust accounts are created for each participating child

• Payment Processing Begins: Families can start paying for approved educational expenses

• Performance Standard: 95% of payment requests processed within 10 business days

Fall 2026: Program Launch

2026-2027 School Year Begins

Full program operations:

• Students Begin: The First cohort of ESA participants starts their educational programs

• Ongoing Funding: Additional funding received (October 1 - at least 50% of annual amount)

• Continuous Verification: Regular checks to ensure students aren't enrolled in public schools

• Customer Support: Ongoing assistance for all stakeholders

Key Stakeholder Impacts

Here is what key stakeholders need to know:

For Parents: Application opportunities begin Fall 2025, with funding available by July 2026

For Private Schools: The onboarding process starts Fall 2025, with the opportunity to serve ESA students beginning the 2026-2027 school year

For Educational Service Providers: The Approval process begins Early 2026, with marketplace listing and payment processing starting by summer 2026

For Public Schools: Some may participate as approved vendors; verification processes ensure students aren't double-enrolled

Looking Ahead

This timeline reflects the best available information from the CEAO RFP. We plan to share more detailed, stakeholder-specific timelines in future posts. These will be tailored for:

• Parents

• Private Schools

• Public and Charter Schools

• Educational Vendors and Service Providers

• Parents and institutions serving students in special education

The success of this ambitious schedule will depend on the Comptroller finalizing the rules by May 15, 2026, and on the capacity of CEAOs to manage complex systems quickly and securely. Texas families and educators will be watching closely as this process unfolds. Have questions about how SB2 might affect your family or educational organization? Contact us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.

The ESA program represents a significant shift in Texas education. Our goal is to help families and educators make informed decisions with accurate, up-to-date information as this program develops and details continue to emerge from state officials.