Texas Voucher Application Timeline Revealed: February 2026 Launch Confirmed
- Accessible Education
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
Update: October 14, 2025
We've been tracking the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program closely and digging through official state documents as they become available. Today, the Houston Chronicle published important new details about the program timeline based on contracting documents it obtained through an open records request, documents to which we don't have direct access. Here's what their reporting reveals.
Application Window Confirmed for February 2026
According to the Chronicle's reporting on the contract documents, families will be able to apply for vouchers from February 4 to March 20, 2026. Voucher award decisions will be finalized by May 1, with funds becoming accessible in digital wallets starting July 1, 2026.
This is the most specific timeline we've seen yet for the program. Previously, families had only been told to expect applications to open in "early 2026."
The Private School Timing Problem
As we've discussed in our previous coverage of the program timeline, there's a significant mismatch between voucher notifications and private school admissions cycles.
The Chronicle highlights this issue with a specific example: Awty International School in Houston requires applications by January 15 and enrollment commitments by March 25, nearly six weeks before families would receive voucher decisions on May 1. This means families may need to commit to private schools (and potentially pay deposits) before knowing whether they'll receive state funding. Many private schools are still waiting for the final program rules from the comptroller before deciding whether to participate in the program.
Provider and Vendor Applications Open in December
According to the contract documents, private schools and educational vendors can begin applying to participate in the program on December 2, 2025.
As we covered in our guide for private schools, schools will need to meet specific requirements to accept voucher funds. But we're still awaiting the final rules.
Odyssey's $26 Million Contract Details
The Chronicle's reporting reveals that Odyssey, the New York-based tech firm selected to run the program, received a two-year contract worth $26 million, with an option for two additional years. The company beat out 11 other bidders, including some with significantly higher price tags.
Odyssey will partner with three subcontractors for marketing and outreach, receiving about $1.2 million of the total contract:
Steel Digital Studios Inc. - An Austin-based digital advertising firm
Vianovo - A political and strategic communications firm
Outschool.org - A nonprofit that has conducted outreach for voucher programs in Virginia, Arkansas, and South Carolina
The state's marketing campaign is set to begin October 31, 2025.
Program Basics Reminder
As we've outlined in our comprehensive program guide, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts will provide:
Up to $10,800 for private school students
Up to $30,000 for students with special needs
Up to $2,000 for homeschooling expenses
The program is designed to prioritize low-income families and is projected to serve approximately 100,000 students in its first year.
What This Means for Families
If you're considering applying for a voucher, here's what you need to know:
Start researching schools now -Don't wait until February to explore your options
Understand the timing challenge - You may need to apply to private schools before knowing if you'll receive a voucher
Watch for final rules - The comptroller should release complete program requirements by the end of October
Plan for financial contingencies - Consider what you'll do if you commit to a school but don't receive a voucher
We'll continue monitoring official state documents and reporting as new information becomes available. For more details on the Chronicle's reporting, you can read their full article here:
To stay current, subscribe to our Field Notes newsletter for in-depth analysis, or follow us on YouTube and Facebook for timely updates and insights as Texas moves from policy to practice in shaping its new Education Freedom Accounts program.
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.
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