Gator Blog

The state of Texas has passed a school choice funding bill that will start in the 2026–2027 school year. 

Debate continues over school vouchers and Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). Critics continue to express concern that using public funding for private schools will be harmful to public schools. Taking a close look at the data from other states and countries, it is clear that these concerns are based on myth rather than fact.

The truth is that much of how we have operated education in the U.S. for decades is NOT working. When we look at other countries where EDUCATIONAL PLURALISM has been implemented, we see significantly more success in their educational systems. Educational pluralism is a global structure for public education in which governments value, fund, and regulate a wide range of schools equally. Most democratic countries run educationally plural systems. 

Leading experts believe that the U.S. would benefit from this approach too. 

Ultimately, all types of schools — Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, secular, Montessori, Waldorf, and others — should be held to high standards. And all of America’s young people should have access to the best possible education, regardless of background, circumstances, or whether they attend public schools. While there will always be examples of exemplary and substandard public schools, as well as exemplary and substandard private schools, let’s look at some common misconceptions related to funding for school choice.                

                                                                      
Myth 1: Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) will drain money from public schools.

TRUTH: 
TEFA will shift students—and the state funding allocated for those students—to different schools, but they do not reduce a district’s fixed funding streams (such as federal aid, local property taxes, or facilities funds). In fact, when a student leaves, schools often retain a portion of local or federal funding, meaning more dollars per student remain for those still enrolled.

Myth 2: TEFA will only benefit wealthy families.

TRUTH:
In states with voucher programs, participation is highest among low- and middle-income families and families of children with special needs—those who often lack access to specialized supports in traditional public schools. School choice gives these families opportunities that wealthier families have always had through private tuition or moving to a “better” school district.

Myth 3: TEFA will weaken public schools by reducing competition.

TRUTH:
Research shows the opposite. Studies in states with long-running voucher programs (like Florida, Arizona, and Indiana) demonstrate that public schools improve when faced with competition. When families have alternatives, public schools are motivated to innovate, raise standards, and improve customer service for parents and students.

Myth 4: TEFA will lack accountability.

TRUTH:
Voucher and ESA programs generally include accountability measures—such as state approval for participating schools, testing or progress monitoring, and financial transparency requirements. In addition, parental accountability is strong: if a school doesn’t meet a child’s needs, families can take their TEFA funds elsewhere.

Myth 5: TEFA will harm students with disabilities.

TRUTH:
Many voucher programs are designed specifically to benefit students with special needs, providing funding for therapies, adaptive technology, and tuition at specialized schools. Parents can choose the setting that best meets their child’s learning profile, rather than relying on a “one size fits all” approach. For many families, this results in improved academic, social, and life outcomes.

The Bigger Picture

School choice, including vouchers and ESAs, doesn’t destroy public education—it strengthens it. By empowering parents, encouraging innovation, and expanding opportunities, vouchers create a more flexible, responsive, and equitable education system.

Instead of asking, “Do vouchers hurt public schools?” we should be asking, “How can we ensure every child—whether in public, charter, private, or homeschool—has access to the education that helps them thrive?”

Learn more:

• Attend a Lunch & Learn at Green Oaks School on Wednesday, October 22 at 11:30am; RSVP required
  • Click here to RSVP
     
• Join us for an online School Funding Information Meeting to learn about the Texas Education Freedom Accounts and Green Oaks. The next meeting on Zoom at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 29. RSVP required
  • Click here to RSVP
     
• Sign up for Texas Education Freedom Accounts emails from the Comptroller's office, which is tasked with implementing and operating the program: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXCOMPT/subscriber/new?topic_id=TXCOMPT_1873
• Overview of TEFA: https://texasprivateschools.org/wp-content/uploads/ESAs_for_families.pdf
• Q & A document about TEFA: https://texasprivateschools.org/families/school-choice/
• Educational Pluralism video: https://youtu.be/te5_rmuV-QU?si=pzp4Uas4iEQATCIN