Texas School Voucher & Education Savings Account Update (Nov. 2, 2025): What Private Schools and Education Service Providers Need to Know

Private schools and educational service providers can begin preparing now for Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) registration, which opens December 2, 2025. This update explains the tentative timeline, vendor eligibility requirements, and next steps as Texas moves forward with its new school voucher and education savings account program.

Private schools, tutors, therapists, and other educational service providers interested in participating in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program should prepare now for the upcoming registration period. Only providers who apply and are accepted into the program will be eligible to receive ESA funds from participating families.

Important note: The dates and requirements below are tentative, based on the current project work plan. Final program rules aren't due until May 15, 2026, so information may change. We'll provide updates as they become available.

Key Date

December 2, 2025 (Tentative): Registration to join the ESA program opens for schools and educational service providers

Critical Information for Private Schools

Participation is entirely voluntary. Private schools are not required to join the TEFA program. However, families can only use their ESA funds at schools and with providers that have been approved by the program.

The Comptroller's Office is currently working with Odyssey to finalize the list of approved private schools and design the registration process. School participation and onboarding are projected to begin at least 30 days before the parent application portal opens in February 2026.

Prerequisites: Before You Can Even Apply

All entities seeking to participate must first meet these foundational requirements:

• Texas registration: Must be registered with the Texas Secretary of State to do business in Texas

• Tax compliance: Must have the right to transact business in Texas by complying with all state tax filing, collection, and payment requirements

• Location: Education service providers must be physically located in Texas

• Vendor registration: Vendors of educational products must be registered to do business in Texas

  
  

Required Documentation by Provider Type

Private Schools

• Accreditation by an organization recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) or the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

• Operation history: Continuous operation of a campus for at least two school years preceding the application date

• Assessment commitment: Agreement to annually administer a nationally norm-referenced test or Chapter 39 assessment to participating children in grades 3–12

Tutors and Teaching Services

• Criminal history check: National criminal history record review completed within the prior two calendar years, showing the individual is not required to be discharged or refused employment by a school district due to misconduct

• Registry check: Proof the individual is not included in the registry under Texas Education Code §22.092

• Educational credentials: Proof that the individual is either:

  • A current or former educator at a school accredited by TEA or a TEPSAC-recognized organization, or at a higher education provider in an instructional capacity, OR

  • Holds a current teaching license or instructional accreditation issued by a state, regional, or national certification organization

Therapists

• Criminal history and registry checks (same as above)

• Professional license: Current, relevant license or accreditation issued by a state, regional, or national certification organization

Public School Districts or Charter Schools

• Proof of TEA accreditation

• Demonstration of ability to provide services to participating children in a manner such that the children are not counted toward average daily attendance (ADA)

Higher Education Providers

• Proof of nationally recognized postsecondary accreditation

Previously Approved Special Education Providers

If you're an approved provider of supplemental special education services under Education Code, Chapter 29, Subchapter A-1, in good standing with TEA, you'll be automatically approved as a provider for the program.

Other Vendors of Educational Products

Must demonstrate ability to offer products through the program's marketplace, exclusive of services and products that are not approved education-related expenses.

Required Certifications

All applicants must agree and certify under penalty of perjury that they will:

• Only accept orders and money from the program for approved education-related expenses

• Not charge Program Participants more than the standard amount charged to all others for the same service or product

• Not charge for services or products that are not fully provided

• Not rebate, refund, credit, or share program money with Program Participants

• Promptly return any money received in violation of program rules to the Comptroller or the Certified Educational Assistance Organization (CEAO)

• Prevent individuals who are required to be discharged or refused employment by school districts due to misconduct from interacting with participating children

• Comply with audit requirements by providing the requested documentation related to program transactions

• Notify the Comptroller or CEAO within 30 days if the provider no longer meets program requirements

  
  

The Application Process

The registration process will be handled on a rolling basis, meaning applications will be accepted and processed continuously rather than during a single window. However, the tentative start date is December 2, 2025.

Once approved, providers will be included on the program's marketplace website, where families can browse and select services. Odyssey, in coordination with the Comptroller's office, is responsible for designing this online marketplace.

Good Standing and Renewal

Providers who are approved and remain in good standing may continue providing services without reapplying each school year. However, you must notify the CEAO if you stop providing services or no longer meet program requirements.

Oversight and Compliance

The Comptroller's office has the authority to:

• Select vendors and determine which schools receive state funds

• Design program rules

• Audit the program annually

• Notify legal authorities if any school or company appears to have committed fraud or broken the law

Each participating private school must annually administer a nationally recognized standardized test to ESA students and report results to the CEAO.

Prepare Now

Begin gathering the required documentation for your provider type now so you're ready when the registration portal opens. Ensure your organization meets all prerequisite requirements, particularly:

• Current Texas Secretary of State registration

• Tax compliance

• Accreditation or licensing credentials

• Criminal background checks for individuals providing direct services

  
  

Marketing and Awareness

The Comptroller's Office plans to begin marketing the Education Freedom Accounts program this month. Odyssey has hired three subcontractors, Steel Digital Studios, Vianovo, and Outschool, to help spread awareness about the program.

Remember: Participation is voluntary, and these requirements are tentative pending final rules in May 2026. We'll continue sharing updates as more information becomes available.