Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on Apr. 2 that more than 274,000 students applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts during the program’s first year.
The high number of applications highlights significant interest from families across the state in participating in the school choice initiative. The program allows eligible students to access educational funds, and demand has surpassed expectations.
“Texas didn’t just meet expectations, we set the national record for year-one demand in a school choice program,” Hancock said. “Families across Texas made it clear they want a greater role in their child’s education, and they showed up in record numbers.”
According to data released by the Comptroller’s office, a record 43,000 students applied on the program’s first day alone. Tens of thousands more submitted applications before the March 31 deadline. Nearly three-quarters of applicants are from low- or middle-income families in Texas. About 30,000 applicants qualify for the first priority tier—low- or middle-income students with disabilities—while another 79,000 qualify for the second priority tier as students from low-income households.
All figures are preliminary and based on information provided by applicants. The Comptroller’s office is working with Odyssey, its certified educational assistance organization partner, to verify student information before notifying families about awards later this month and distributing funds to student accounts starting in July.
Year-one funding is expected to be exhausted within the second priority tier. A lottery will be used to allocate remaining funds among these applicants and determine waitlist order for others. The waitlist will be reported to the Texas Legislature as required by statute to inform future funding decisions.
Maintaining program integrity remains a top concern; parents, school personnel and members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fraud or unlawful activity related to TEFA.
