Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on March 16 that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program have exceeded 200,000 ahead of the application deadline. The TEFA program is a new school choice initiative in Texas, and families must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17 to be considered for funding for the 2026–27 school year.
The high number of applications highlights significant interest among Texas families in expanded education options and greater flexibility in choosing learning environments for their children. More than 2,200 schools have registered to participate in the program so far, with additional schools and education service providers continuing to sign up.
Hancock said, “Crossing the 200,000-student mark shows just how strongly Texas families are responding to the opportunity for more educational freedom. Our team has worked to stand up a program that is transparent, accountable and focused on student success. As we head into the final hours before the deadline, I encourage any family still considering TEFA to take a few minutes to complete an application. This program gives parents more tools to support their child’s future, and we want every eligible student to have the chance to benefit.”
The TEFA program was established by the Texas Legislature in 2025 with $1 billion in funding and is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The initiative allows state education funds to follow individual students and be used for eligible expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, instructional materials, and other educational services.
If applications exceed available first-year funding, state law requires priority consideration for students with disabilities as well as low- and middle-income families. After the application window closes, the Comptroller’s office will review submissions and determine eligibility according to state law. Families can expect award notifications beginning in April and will have until mid-July to finalize their education selections.
The application process does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis; all applicants who submit before the deadline will receive equal consideration.
