Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than 100,000 families have applied to the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, making it the largest launch of a new school choice initiative in U.S. history. The TEFA program allows eligible students to use state funds for preapproved educational providers, giving parents more options for their children’s education.
The program is managed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. It aims to provide parents with flexibility in selecting schools and resources that best meet their children’s needs.
“The TEFA program receiving more than 100,000 applications in less than two weeks proves that families overwhelmingly want school choice,” said Governor Abbott. “Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them. I congratulate Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for his unwavering support and dedication to this program’s monumental success. Texas families are now more in control of their child’s academic success, regardless of their location or income.”
Governor Abbott first announced on February 4, 2026, that applications were open for the TEFA program. The initiative was established through Senate Bill 2 and provides $1 billion in funding for families seeking alternative academic opportunities for their children. Accepted applicants can use funds for tuition, transportation costs, and other educational expenses.
Online applications remain open until March 17, 2026. All Texas children who live in the state and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. The application process is not first-come, first-served; submissions made at any time during the window will be considered equally.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has focused on education enhancement as part of its broader priorities including job creation and parental empowerment in schooling (https://gov.texas.gov/). Since taking office after his election in 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), Governor Abbott has led initiatives from his primary offices based in Austin at the State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under his leadership, Texas has seen growth in jobs and record employment levels (https://gov.texas.gov/), while also earning national recognition such as being named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
The Office continues to deliver services statewide across Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/) as it implements programs like TEFA aimed at expanding educational opportunities.
