Gator Blog

The first days of family applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program demonstrated that Texans are excited about school choice! Kelly Hancock, the Texas Comptroller, shared a breakdown of students who applied on the first day and had verified information.

• 80.3% indicated they plan to attend a participating private school next year.
• 19.7% said they plan to choose another option, such as homeschooling
• 34% have household incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($66,000 for a family of four).
• 38% have household incomes between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty level ($165,000 for a family of four).'

Nearly three in four have been placed in one of the three top priority groups established by Senate Bill 2:

• 10% have been placed in the top priority tier for students with disabilities and household incomes below 500% of the federal poverty level.
• 29% have been placed in the second priority tier for students with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• 33% have been placed in the third priority tier for students with household incomes between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty level.

Texas has budgeted $1 billion to fund the 2026-2027 school year of the program. Eligible families will receive approximately $10,474 per student for private school tuition and other educational expenses, with higher amounts for students with disabilities. The funds may be used for a variety of approved education expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring and other qualifying educational services.

If you have any interest in the TEFA program, do not be deterred by the number of applicants! And, remember that the program is not on a first-come, first-serve basis. If more students apply by the end of the enrollment period on March 17 than funding allows, a lottery will be held, with eligible families prioritized as required by law. Students with disabilities are at the top of the prioritization list. Future funding from the state legislature will be determined by applicants. Therefore, it is vital that every family apply if interested.

Families may apply any time between now and March 17.

Green Oaks Education and Support, a Christian educational program for individuals with intellectual disabilities is an approved school for the TEFA program. We are working with our current families, potential families and even families who are looking for a different option to assist with the application process. Please reach out to Jasmine Danielson (jasminedanielson@greenoaksschool.org) if you would like more information about Green Oaks Education and Support or if we can assist your family.

Outschool.org is hosting free family information events across Texas about the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program. Families will learn what TEFA is, who may be eligible and how to apply, as well as how funds can be used toward different education options. The two-hour event will include a meal, kid-friendly activities and live performances. Each event has limited capacity – pre-registration is encouraged. If interested, click the location link below to pre-register and to find more information on each event.

McAllen
McAllen Convention Center 
700 Convention Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501
Feb. 7 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lubbock 
Science Spectrum 
2579 S. Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79423 
Feb.14 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Houston
Freed Community Center 
6818 Shadyvilla Ln Houston, Texas 77055
Feb. 21 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Tyler 
Discovery Science Place 
308 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler TX 75702
Feb. 27 | 6 - 9 p.m.