Texas ESA Voucher Prep Starts This Fall: What Private Schools Must Know Now
- Accessible Education
- Aug 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 10
In our last post, we laid out the anticipated timeline for the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) "voucher" program based on the state’s Request for Proposals. While official rules won’t be finalized until May 2026, Fall 2025 marks the true beginning of ESA implementation, and private schools need to be ready.
Private School Onboarding for Texas Vouchers Starts Soon — Be Ready
Most private school leaders know that the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) voucher program is scheduled to launch in the 2026–2027 school year. But few realize that schools must begin preparing much earlier.
Our recent analysis of the program’s Request for Proposal (RFP) shows that critical onboarding and approval activities for private schools begin in Fall 2025, well before families can even apply.
This early timeline creates both opportunity and risk. Schools that are ready will be able to serve new students and reach more families. Those who wait may miss their chance.
What We Discovered in the RFPs
The RFP documents make it clear: private schools must be approved at least 30 days before families can submit applications. That means onboarding begins in Fall 2025, months before most families are even aware they're eligible.
Only schools that have completed the approval process will be visible to parents during the family application window. Schools that miss this early stage may struggle to participate at all during the initial launch year.
What the Timeline Means for Private Schools
A closer look at the state’s proposed rollout reveals three critical phases:
Late Fall 2025 – School Screening and Approval Begins
Contracted entities (CEAOs) will begin identifying, screening, and onboarding schools. This is not optional or flexible; it is built into the program’s foundation.
Fall 2025 – Family Application Window Opens
Parents can apply, but only to schools that are already approved and listed. Delayed approval means missing the first wave of family interest.
Early 2026 – Marketplace Launches
The online ESA marketplace opens with a list of approved schools. New schools can be added later, but the first wave will have peak visibility during decision season.
The Approval Requirements at a Glance
Understanding the basic eligibility criteria is important, but real preparation goes deeper:
Operational Readiness: Schools must be accredited, have operated for at least two school years, and be properly registered with the state. But approval depends on specific documentation, formatting, and verification that go beyond simple eligibility.
Academic Standards: Schools must administer nationally norm-referenced assessments annually. The reporting process, audit expectations, and data handling requirements require close attention.
Program Integration: Marketplace listing and payment processing require detailed onboarding procedures. Schools that are not prepared for this technical and operational integration may face delays.
The Financial Opportunity Is Real, but Timing Matters
ESA funding ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 per child, with higher amounts available for students with disabilities. For example, a school that enrolls 50 ESA students could see $500,000 in additional revenue while reaching more families who previously could not afford private education.
However, this opportunity is directly linked to timing. Schools that are approved early will appear first when families are researching and applying. Those who wait may find it harder to attract ESA families or meet enrollment goals.
Important Pricing Reminder: Schools must charge ESA students the same rates as non-ESA students. You cannot increase tuition for voucher recipients. However, schools can offer additional eligible services that families may fund separately through their ESA accounts.
Expanding Mission-Driven Services
This program allows schools to expand their impact while remaining aligned with their mission. Some key service areas schools may explore include:
Supporting Students with Disabilities
ESA funding for students with disabilities can reach up to $30,000. This allows schools to expand resources for one of the most underserved student populations, creating inclusive learning environments without compromising quality or mission.
Offering À La Carte Services
Beyond tuition, ESA funds can cover a wide range of educational services. These may include:
Academic assessments and diagnostics
Instructional materials and textbooks
Educational therapies and supports
Required educational technology or devices
Meal programs during instructional time
Not every school needs to offer everything. But those that thoughtfully expand services based on their capacity and vision will be best positioned to grow and serve more families.
Strategic planning is essential. Schools must understand how to structure services, remain compliant, and present offerings clearly in the ESA marketplace.
The Compliance Details Few Schools Are Talking About
Our review of the RFPs uncovered several key factors that will shape how schools succeed:
Documentation Standards: It’s not just about having paperwork. It must meet specific audit, formatting, and verification standards.
Program Design Details:
The student lottery gives priority to siblings of current participants and students with disabilities.
Parents will not receive direct reimbursements. All funds are distributed directly to approved providers.
Only pre-approved educational services are eligible for ESA payments.
Marketplace Visibility: Approval status alone does not guarantee visibility. Timing, service offerings, and application completeness will influence how schools appear to families.
Questions Forward-Thinking Leaders Are Asking
What documentation should we start preparing now?
How do we position our school for visibility when families begin choosing?
Should we expand services to support ESA students with disabilities?
What additional services could we offer to qualify for ESA funding?
Where could approval bottlenecks occur, and how can we avoid them?
Why Basic Preparation May Not Be Enough
Even schools that meet eligibility requirements may fall short without deeper preparation.
Documentation Pitfalls: Having the right documents is not enough. They must be submitted in the proper format and meet audit standards.
Timeline Challenges: Understanding deadlines is one thing. Knowing how to sequence and time approvals for maximum visibility is another.
Long-Term Compliance: Initial approval is just the beginning. Schools must be ready for ongoing monitoring and operational requirements.
The Timeline Is Tight
Final program rules are expected around May 15, 2026, with full launch scheduled for July 2026. That leaves only a few weeks between clarity and implementation.
The Fall 2025 window is the best chance for schools to prepare thoroughly, get approved early, and be ready for the first wave of ESA families. The onboarding process will operate on a rolling basis, so timing and preparation will significantly affect how schools show up in the ESA ecosystem.
The Bottom Line for School Leaders
The Texas ESA voucher program is a historic opportunity to serve families who share your educational values but previously lacked access to private education. But success will not come from simply checking boxes.
The schools that thrive will be those that prepare strategically, not reactively.
This means more than meeting eligibility. It means understanding the details behind approval, timing, and positioning. It means asking the right questions now so that your school is ready when it matters most.
The families you hope to serve will be looking for trusted, approved schools when the ESA program opens. The preparation you do now determines whether they find you.
If you're serious about participating in the ESA program, now is the time to start. We can help you understand what matters most and how to move forward with confidence. Let’s talk. 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.
