Texas has officially opened the application window for its new private school voucher program, a significant shift in the state's education policy. Starting this week, families can apply for state funds to cover private school tuition or homeschooling expenses, drawing from a $1 billion legislative allocation for the next two years.
The program, set to begin in the 2026-27 school year, introduces education savings accounts for eligible students. However, with demand potentially exceeding available funds, the state has established a priority system based on family income and student disability status.
Key Takeaways
- Applications for the Texas school voucher program are open until March 17.
- The program provides funds through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), with most families eligible for about $10,500 annually.
- Funding is initially capped at $1 billion, with a priority system in place if applications exceed this limit.
- Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for up to $30,000 per year.
- Over 1,600 private schools have opted into the program, but some schools face eligibility challenges.
How the Voucher Program Works
The new system allows Texas families to receive taxpayer money for private education. These funds will be distributed through digital accounts known as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), managed by the finance company Odyssey. Families can use this money for a range of educational costs, including tuition, private tutoring, school meals, and transportation.
Most participating families will receive approximately $10,500 per child annually. Families who choose to homeschool can receive up to $2,000 per year. A higher tier of funding is available for students with disabilities, who could receive up to $30,000, an amount reflecting the higher cost of specialized education in public schools.
Understanding the Funding Tiers
The funding structure is designed to provide different levels of support. While the standard amount is set around $10,500, the significant increase for students with disabilities acknowledges the need for specialized services. To access this higher amount, families must provide an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a legal document from a public school that outlines necessary special education services.
The state has allocated $1 billion for the program's first two years, which conclude on August 31, 2027. State budget analysts project that the program's cost could expand significantly, potentially reaching $4.8 billion by 2030 as participation grows.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The program is open to a broad range of Texas families with school-age children, including those currently enrolled in public schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Parents with children in public schools must plan to unenroll them to participate.
A key requirement is proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency for the child. For pre-kindergarten students, eligibility is more specific: children must be at least three years old and meet one of the criteria for public pre-K, such as coming from a low-income household, being unable to speak or understand English, or being in the foster care system.
The Prioritization System
If the number of applicants surpasses the available $1 billion in funding, the state will prioritize students in several tiers:
- Students with disabilities from families with an annual income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (approximately $165,000 for a four-person household).
- Families with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (less than $66,000 for a family of four).
- Families with incomes between 200% and 500% of the poverty level.
- Families with incomes above 500% of the poverty level. This group is limited to a maximum of $200 million of the total program budget.
It is important to note that this priority system does not guarantee a spot in a private school. Families must still apply to and be accepted by a participating institution.
Application Process and Required Documents
Families must gather several documents before applying. The state requires Social Security numbers for both the parent and child, as well as an IRS Form 1040 from 2024 or 2025 to verify income.
To prove Texas residency, applicants can submit a state identification card, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a voter registration certificate. Proof of a child's citizenship or lawful residency can be established with documents like a birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization.
Documentation Checklist
- Parent and child Social Security numbers
- IRS Form 1040 (2024 or 2025)
- Proof of Texas residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
- Proof of child's U.S. citizenship or lawful residency (e.g., birth certificate)
- For disability funding: Social Security determination letter, physician's note, or an IEP for higher-tier funds.
- For foster children: Court orders or placement documents.
The application deadline is March 17. Families will begin receiving notifications about their funding status in April. These notifications are contingent upon the family successfully enrolling their child in a participating private school by June 1, with a possible extension to July 15. The first funds are expected to be available in the ESAs between July 1 and mid-August.
Private School Participation and Controversy
For a private school to participate, it must have been in operation for at least two years, hold accreditation, and agree to administer a nationally recognized standardized test for students in grades 3-12. These schools are not required to use the state's STAAR test.
Currently, more than 1,600 private schools have opted into the program, with the majority located in major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. However, the participation process has not been without controversy.
A January opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that the state comptroller has the authority to block schools from the program if they are deemed to have ties to terrorists or foreign adversaries. This opinion followed a request for guidance from Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock regarding schools accredited by Cognia.
This legal opinion has led to hundreds of Cognia-accredited schools being excluded from the program, affecting a diverse group of institutions including those serving Muslim students, Christian students, and children with disabilities. The comptroller's office has since stated it is re-evaluating and inviting some of these schools to participate if they are found to be in compliance with the law.
Another critical point for families to consider is that private schools are not bound by the same state and federal laws as public schools regarding accommodations for students with disabilities. While the program provides additional funding, acceptance and support services are determined by each individual school.
