October 30, 2025

In our June 2025 article, Texas School Vouchers: What Parents Need to Know, we covered the new Texas school vouchers created by the State Legislature. As the application process nears, this follow-up newsletter provides an updated guide on navigating this new program.

Below, we cover when and how to apply, key dates and deadlines, eligible uses of funds, updated eligibility rules, the lottery prioritization system, participating schools/providers, and practical tips for parents.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

The first round of applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts is expected to open on February 4, 2026, and close on March 20, 2026. Families will be notified of awards by May 1, 2026, and funds will be available for use beginning July 1, 2026, just in time for the new school year.

The Texas Comptroller’s Office, which oversees the program, is finalizing administrative details. Parents will apply through an online portal developed by Odyssey, the company managing the application and payment system.

Key dates include:

• Late 2025 - Private schools and providers begin applying to join the ESA program.
  
  
• February 4, 2026 - Parents can begin submitting student applications.
  
  
• March 20, 2026 - The first application window closes.
  
  
• May 1, 2026 - Families are notified of their award or waitlist status.
  
  
• July 1, 2026 - Funds are deposited into the student’s digital account for the 2026–27 school year.
  
  

While these dates could shift slightly as the state finalizes the rollout, February through March remains the target application period.

How to Apply, Step by Step

When the application period opens, families will complete the online process through Odyssey's official portal.

Here is what you can expect:

1. Create an account and prepare your documents. Parents will go to the Texas Comptroller’s ESA portal and create an account using basic identifying information. Subscribe to the Comptroller’s email updates, which will notify you as soon as the portal becomes active.

2. Gather required documents. You must upload proof of your child's age and Texas residency, such as a birth certificate and a recent utility bill or lease agreement. Families applying under priority categories, such as lower-income households or those with special education needs, should also have supporting documentation like recent tax returns or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

3. Complete the application. The online form will ask for your child's personal information, intended education settings (such as private school or homeschool), and documents. Families applying for multiple children must submit a separate application for each.

4. Submit your application by the deadline. All applications must be received before March 20, 2026. The program does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so there is no rush to apply on the first day. However, submitting early is recommended to avoid last-minute issues.

5. Wait for your notification. The Comptroller’s Office will notify families by May 1 whether their child was awarded an ESA or placed on a waitlist.

6. Set up your account and begin using funds. Accepted applicants will finalize account setup and enroll in their chosen school or educational program. Funds are distributed through a secure online wallet managed by Odyssey.

7.  Renew annually. Once accepted, families can remain in the program year after year by confirming their continued participation without completing a new full application.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The Texas Education Freedom Account program is designed to include nearly all school-age children in Texas.

Students must be Texas residents eligible to attend a public K–12 school. Both private school and homeschooled students can qualify, as can children eligible for pre-kindergarten programs. The program does not exclude families based on income, meaning both high-income and low-income families can apply. However, when funds are limited, priority will be given to low—and middle-income applicants and those with special needs.

Children with disabilities are eligible for higher funding amounts, up to $30,000 per year, depending on their level of need and supporting documentation. Parents must apply on behalf of their child and provide proof of residency, citizenship, and identity during the application process.

Funding Amounts and What the ESA Covers

The amount of ESA funding each student receives depends on their educational setting.

• Around $10,000 per year for most students attending private school.
  
  
• Up to $30,000 per year for students with significant disabilities.
  
  
• $2,000 per year for students who are homeschooled.
  
  

Funds are placed into a state-managed education account, not distributed directly to parents. Spending is limited to approved educational expenses.

Examples of allowable uses include:

• Private school tuition and fees.
  
  
• Homeschooling materials and curricula.
  
  
• Tutoring.
  
  
• Special Education therapies.
  
  
• Online courses.
  
  
• Test preparation programs.
  
  
• Educational technology, such as laptops or software.
  
  
• The funds can also cover school uniforms, meals, and transportation to educational providers.
  
  

Certain restrictions apply. Parents cannot use ESA funds for personal expenses, family payments, or non-educational items. The program will audit accounts regularly to ensure compliance.

Lottery and Prioritization Process

Because the ESA program is initially funded at $1 billion and expected to serve around 100,000 students in its first two years, there may be more applicants than available funds. To manage this, Texas will use a lottery system that gives preference to specific groups of students.

Priority will go first to siblings of current ESA participants in future years, then to students with disabilities from families earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level, followed by low-income students from households earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, then moderate-income students between 200 and 500 percent, and finally to higher-income families.

Only 20 percent of total funds can be awarded to students from higher-income households, and within that group, preference will be given to students previously enrolled in public school. Any students not selected will be placed on a waitlist and may be offered a spot if others decline or if additional funding becomes available in later years.

Participating Schools and Education Providers

ESA funds can only be used at approved schools and educational vendors that have applied and been accepted into the program. Eligible providers include accredited private schools operating for at least two years, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs, licensed therapists, and certified tutors.

Private schools are not required to participate, so parents should verify that their preferred school has applied to join the ESA program. Each participating school must annually administer a nationally recognized standardized test to ESA students. Once available, the Odyssey portal will include a searchable list of approved schools and service providers.

Families using ESA funds for homeschooling will have access to approved vendors for curriculum materials, online learning programs, and tutoring services. Public schools may even allow ESA students to enroll in individual courses for a fee covered by their ESA account.

Practical Tips for Families

• Start preparing early. Mark key dates and begin gathering documents before the application window opens.
  
  
• Check your school’s participation status. Ask whether your preferred private or pre-K school plans to register as an ESA provider.
  
  
• Apply to schools separately. Many private schools finalize admissions before ESA awards are announced, so apply as usual and adjust later if necessary.
  
  
• Budget carefully. ESA funds can substantially reduce education costs but may not cover full tuition at some schools. If needed, combine them with scholarships or financial aid.
  
  
• Use funds wisely. ESA accounts are audited, so funds are only used for approved educational purposes.
  
  
• Stay informed. Sign up for updates on the Texas Comptroller’s website to receive official notifications and program guidance.
  
  

Families can confidently navigate the application process and make thoughtful decisions about their children's educational opportunities in the coming year by planning ahead and staying informed.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today!

References

Ackerman, A. (2025, May 5). Texas school voucher applications: timeline & deadlines. Houston Chronicle. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-school-voucher-apply-20310466.php.

Associated Press. (2025, May 3). Texas governor signs $1 billion voucher bill in milestone for school choice supporters nationally. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/ec901398f7f62293d87b801fa3edf37c.

Edison, J. (2025a, May 3). Private school vouchers are now the law in Texas. Here's how they will work. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs/.

Edison, J. (2025b, October 14). Texans could begin applying for school vouchers in February. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/14/texas-school-voucher-applications/.

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. (2025, October 6). Acting Texas Comptroller announces Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, selects implementation partner [Press release]. Texas Comptroller’s Office. https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/media-center/news/20251006-texas-comptroller-announces-texas-education-freedom-accounts-as-program-name-for-school-choice-program-selects-implementation-partner-1759758132101.

Texas Private Schools Association. (2025). School Choice. Texas Private Schools Association. https://texasprivateschools.org/families/school-choice/.

Yu, I. (2025, September 30). Comptroller announces when Texas families can expect to apply for private school vouchers. Houston Chronicle. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/article/texas-private-school-vouchers-applications-open-21076301.php.

Yu, I., & Sander, E. (2025, October 14). Applications for $1B Texas school voucher program to launch in February, contract documents show. Houston Chronicle. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-school-voucher-program-launch-february-new-21099031.php.