Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on March 9 that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program have exceeded 160,000 students just one month into the application period.
The high number of applicants highlights significant interest in the new school choice initiative as families seek alternatives for their children’s education. The application window remains open until March 17, and officials expect the total to continue rising as more families submit their forms.
“Demand is strong for the record-setting launch of school choice in Texas,” Hancock said. “While there is still some time to apply, we want to make sure families don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in this historic program’s first year, so we’re encouraging folks to avoid waiting until the last minute and go ahead and apply now.”
The Comptroller’s office has released preliminary data about TEFA applicants, including information by grade level, school district, and Education Service Center region. Officials note that these numbers are subject to change as additional applications come in and not all who apply will ultimately participate.
Once applications close, funding will be allocated through a lottery system that gives priority to students with disabilities and those from low- or middle-income families. The office also plans to report waitlist figures to the Texas Legislature for consideration in future funding decisions.
“We’re expecting to sell out in year one,” Hancock said. “We are also laying a strong foundation for school choice in Texas to flourish for years to come.”
More than 2,200 schools have registered for participation so far. Families do not need to select a specific school when applying, and additional schools may join as the program continues.
