Texas School Voucher & Education Savings Account Update (Nov. 2, 2025): What Parents and Families Need to Know About Texas Education Freedom Accounts

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program will allow eligible families to apply for public funds to support their children's private or homeschool education. With the parent application window opening in just a few months, now is the time to understand the process and begin gathering required documentation.

Important note: The dates and details below are tentative, based on the current project work plan. Final program rules aren't due until May 15, 2026, so these timelines may change. We'll keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Application Timeline

February 4, 2026: Application window opens

March 20, 2026: Application window closes

May 1, 2026: Families notified of award or waitlist status

July 1, 2026: Approved funds deposited into digital accounts

How the Application Process Works

Families can start preparing now for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) application process. This update breaks down the newly released 2026 application timeline, eligibility documentation, and what parents need to know as Texas finalizes rules for its new school voucher and education savings account program.

The application will be managed through an online portal designed by Odyssey and accessible via the Texas Comptroller's ESA portal. Here's what you need to know:

• One application per child: You must submit a separate application for each child applying to the program

• Not first-come, first-served: The program uses a lottery system, though submitting early is recommended to avoid technical issues

• Annual renewal: Once accepted, families can remain in the program year after year by confirming continued participation without completing a new full application

  
  

Start Gathering Documents Now

To streamline the application process, begin collecting the following documentation:

Required for All Applicants:

• Proof of child's age and citizenship/legal status: Birth certificate issued in the U.S. or territories, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card

• Proof of Texas residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, driver's license, state ID card, voter registration certificate, letter from a government agency, or notarized affidavit of residency

• Proof of household income: IRS transcript of federal tax return or similar documentation

  
  

Additional Documentation for Priority Consideration For Families with Children with Disabilities:

• Determination letter for SSI or SSDI eligibility, OR

• Written diagnosis from a licensed physician describing a qualifying condition (visual/auditory impairment, physical disability, intellectual/developmental disability, emotional disturbance, learning disability, autism, speech disability, or traumatic brain injury), OR

• Authorization to verify an Individualized Education Program (IEP) issued by a school district or charter school

  
  

Note: The IEP authorization plays a key role in determining both priority placement and the specific funding amount a student may receive. The disability determination criteria for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program are still in the rulemaking process and were a topic of discussion during the public comment period. Families whose children do not currently receive special education services or have an IEP should gather any available documentation (such as an SSI determination letter or physician diagnosis) and continue monitoring for updates as the proposed rules are finalized.

Eligibility and Funding

Who can apply: Nearly all school-age children in Texas eligible to attend public K–12 school, including current private school students, homeschooled students, and children eligible for pre-kindergarten.

Priority groups:

1. Students with disabilities from families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level

2. Low-income students (up to 200% of federal poverty level)

3. Moderate-income students (200% to 500% of federal poverty level)

4. Higher-income households (limited to 20% of total funds)

Funding amounts (annual):

• Up to $10,500 for most private school students

• Up to $30,000 for students with disabilities

• $2,000 for homeschooled students

What You Can Use Funds For

Approved educational expenses include:

• Private school tuition and fees

• Homeschooling materials

• Tutoring

• Special education therapies

• Online courses

• Test preparation

• Educational technology

• School uniforms

• Meals and transportation to educational providers

Important: Funds cannot be used for personal expenses or family payments. Accounts will be regularly audited for compliance.

Critical Timing Issue for Private School Families

Many private schools finalize their admissions decisions and require enrollment deposits before May 1, 2026, the date ESA award decisions will be announced. Do not wait for ESA approval to apply to private schools. Apply to schools separately as you normally would to secure your child's spot.

Additionally, verify that your preferred school has applied to join the ESA program. Private schools are not required to participate, and ESA funds can only be used at schools that have registered and been accepted into the program.

What Happens After Approval

If your application is approved, funds will be deposited into a secure online digital wallet managed by Odyssey starting July 1, 2026. The payment platform is expected to launch in early July.

Required Agreement

As part of the application, you must certify under penalty of perjury that you will:

• Only request payment for approved education-related expenses

• Not attempt to withdraw cash or seek reimbursement from the account

• Not sell items purchased with program money within 12 months

• Comply with audit requirements

• Notify the program within 30 days if your child enrolls in public school or becomes ineligible

• For children in grades 3–12 enrolled in private schools, authorize the school to provide assessment results to the program

Stay Up to Date on Texas School Voucher & ESA News

The Comptroller's Office plans to begin marketing the program this month. Watch for official communications and updates as the February application window approaches.

Have questions about what SB2 and the Texas Education Freedom Account program mean for your child’s education options? Learn more about our ESA Consulting and Family Support Services or request a free consultation. 

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Remember: These dates and requirements are tentative. We'll continue monitoring the program's development and sharing updates as final rules are released.