What Do We Know About Private School Accreditation and Texas Senate Bill 2?
- Accessible Education
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
If you’re a parent with a child in private school, or thinking about making the switch, you may be wondering what Texas Senate Bill 2 (SB2) and the Education Savings Account (ESA) program mean for you. Maybe you’ve heard concerns about oversight and accountability. Maybe you're excited about the potential financial support. Or maybe you’re just trying to make sense of it all.
No matter where you stand, whether you're curious, concerned, or somewhere in between, this guide is here to help you understand one important part of the equation: accreditation.
Let’s walk through what the bill says, what accreditation really means, and how it all connects to your family’s school choice options.
Accreditation in SB2: What’s Required?
One of the first things SB2 requires for any private school that wants to accept ESA funds is accreditation.
Here’s what the law says:
A private school must be accredited to be eligible for the ESA program.
The accreditation must come from an agency recognized by either:
The school must also have been operating a physical campus for at least two consecutive school years before applying.
While the ESA bill has raised concerns about oversight, accreditation is one of the core accountability guardrails built into the program. Schools must also meet annual assessment reporting requirements and submit to oversight by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
What Is Accreditation?
In simple terms, accreditation is a quality check.
It’s a process where a school voluntarily agrees to be reviewed by an outside organization. That review checks if the school meets certain standards, such as having qualified teachers, a sound curriculum, and appropriate facilities.
Why Accreditation Matters:
Quality Assurance: It ensures a school meets basic academic and operational standards.
Continuous Improvement: Accredited schools are reviewed regularly to make sure they are maintaining those standards.
Credibility: Accreditation shows that a school is legitimate and meets recognized educational expectations.
Transferability: Credits and diplomas from accredited schools are more likely to be accepted by other institutions.
Accountability: It gives parents and policymakers a clear way to evaluate how a school is performing.
Many private schools have already chosen to be accredited, even though it has not been required by law. SB2 simply makes it mandatory for any school that wants to accept ESA funds.
Who Decides What Counts as Accredited?
That’s where TEPSAC and TEA come in.
Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC)
TEPSAC is the organization in Texas that evaluates and recognizes accrediting agencies for private schools. It does not accredit schools directly. Instead, it determines which organizations are qualified to do so.
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
The TEA oversees public education in Texas. It also has the authority to recognize certain private school accrediting organizations for ESA purposes.
Who Are the Approved Accrediting Agencies?
The following organizations are currently recognized by TEPSAC or TEA. If your child’s school is accredited by one of these, it meets the minimum requirement to apply for the ESA program:
Accrediting Body | Website |
Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools (ACTABS) | |
American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) | |
American Montessori Society (AMS) | |
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) | |
Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS) | |
Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) | |
Christian Schools International (CSI) | |
Cognia | |
Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) | |
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) | |
International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA) | |
Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission (LSAC) | |
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA) | |
National Christian Schools Association (NCSA) | |
Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) | |
Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) | |
Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools (TAAPS) | |
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED) | |
Texas Education Agency (TEA) | |
Texas Seventh Day Adventist School System (TSDA) | |
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
Keep in Mind: Accreditation Does Not Guarantee ESA Participation
Even if a school is accredited, that does not mean it is automatically part of the ESA program.
Here are a few reasons why:
Accredited schools still need to apply to be part of the program.
Not every application is approved. The state may deny a school for reasons unrelated to accreditation.
Approved schools may still opt out. Some schools might choose not to accept ESA funds at all.
Each school still controls its own admissions. Even if a school participates in the program, it may still deny enrollment based on its own policies.
So accreditation is just one important piece of the puzzle, not a guarantee.
Why This Still Matters, Even if You're Not Using Vouchers
Even if you are not applying for ESA funds, it still helps to know your school’s accreditation status.
Knowing this can help you:
Understand the quality standards your school meets.
Confirm whether your current or prospective school could qualify to participate in the ESA program.
Prepare for conversations with school leaders about whether the program might be a future option.
Make more informed decisions about private education.
What You Can Do Next
Take a moment to find out which agency accredits your child’s school or a school you are considering. Then visit the accrediting agency’s website to learn more about what standards they require.
Understanding accreditation is just one part of the ESA conversation. But it is a foundational piece that can help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
Have More Questions About SB2?
As the 2026–2027 school year approaches, we will be developing more resources for parents who are considering private school options for their children. These resources will include side-by-side comparisons of the accrediting agencies listed here, highlighting how their standards and requirements differ so you can identify which ones best align with your family’s needs and values.
Stay tuned! We’re here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. 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.
