Texas parents can apply for school vouchers this week. What families should know
Texas parents can now apply for private school and homeschool funding for their children through the state’s voucher-like program, known as Education Freedom Accounts.
Applications opened at 9 a.m. on Feb. 4, and families have until March 17 to submit them online at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
Families whose applications are approved by the state comptroller’s office will receive about $10,400 to send their children to accredited private schools starting in the 2026-27 school year. Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000, and homeschooled students can receive $2,000. In addition to tuition, the funding can be used for private tutoring, school supplies such as uniforms and textbooks, and other education-related expenses. Students from prekindergarten to 12th grade are eligible for the funding.
Pre-K students applying for program funding must meet additional requirements that their older peers aren’t subject to, which are the same requirements already in place for 3- and 4-year-old students to attend public schools. Eligible students include those who are unable to speak or comprehend English, are eligible for the national school lunch program or those who have a parent in the U.S. armed forces.
The funding will be prioritized for students with disabilities with a household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, which is $160,750 for a family of four. The second priority tier includes students whose families earn at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or $64,300, followed by other groups with higher household incomes. A lottery system will be used if more families apply than available funding allows, according to the comptroller’s office.
There are 467 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area participating in the program, as of Tuesday. Additional schools have the option to join the program on a rolling basis.
The $1 billion state program was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May after lawmakers approved legislation to create the program last year during the regular legislative session. The controversial program has prompted support from those who say more school choices are needed for Texas families. Opponents argue that it takes away funding opportunities for public schools.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 4:49 PM.
