The Brief
- The $1B Texas Education Freedom Account program opens Feb. 4. Standard awards exceed $10K; students with disabilities may receive up to $30K.
- Special-needs families should know vouchers mean giving up federal protections; private schools aren’t required to match public services.
- Houston-area: 280+ private schools opted in, but many tuitions top $25K—check accreditation and expect out-of-pocket gaps.
HOUSTON – Texas is set to launch its first-ever school voucher program Wednesday, opening a billion-dollar portal that allows families to use public funds for private education.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) marks one of the most significant shifts in the state’s educational history, though experts warn of hidden costs and legal waivers for special needs students.
While the program is open to all Texas students, officials emphasize that it is a prioritized lottery, not a first-come, first-served system.
Applications open Wednesday
Before you hit submit, because income status determines your priority tier, families need their 1040 tax returns and proof of residency ready the second the site goes live.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, more than 1,400 private schools and providers have already registered to participate. In the Houston area alone, nearly 500 schools have opted in.
Impact on education
Researchers at Rice University’s Kinder Institute point to a growing “information gap.” Dr. Erin Baumgartner, Director of the Houston Education Research Consortium, noted that families in the highest priority tiers—low-income households and students with disabilities—often face the greatest digital hurdles.…