Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on March 16 that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program have exceeded 200,000 students ahead of the application deadline. Families seeking funding for the 2026–27 school year must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17.
The TEFA program is a new school choice initiative in Texas, allowing education dollars to follow individual students and be used for eligible expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, instructional materials, and other educational services. The high number of applications reflects strong demand from families across the state for expanded education options and greater flexibility in choosing learning environments.
More than 2,200 schools have registered to participate in the program so far, with additional schools and vendors continuing to sign up. Families will have until July 15 to confirm their final school selections. Hancock said, “Crossing the 200,000-student mark shows just how strongly Texas families are responding to the opportunity for more educational freedom. Our team has worked to stand up a program that is transparent, accountable and focused on student success. As we head into the final hours before the deadline, I encourage any family still considering TEFA to take a few minutes to complete an application. This program gives parents more tools to support their child’s future, and we want every eligible student to have the chance to benefit.”
The Texas Legislature established TEFA in 2025 with $1 billion in funding and directed the Comptroller’s office to administer it. If applications exceed available first-year funding, state law requires priority consideration for students with disabilities as well as low- and middle-income families.
After the application window closes, submissions will be reviewed by the Comptroller’s office according to state law requirements. The first award notifications are expected in April. Families who apply at any time during the window will receive equal consideration for eligibility.
Families interested in learning more or applying can visit EducationFreedom.Texas.gov.
