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Texas School Vouchers: What Parents Need to Know

Texas approves school vouchers for private & homeschool costs starting 2026–27. Find out who's eligible and how to apply.

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June 19, 2025

On May 3, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law, establishing a private school voucher system, the Texas Educational Savings Account (ESA) program.

This initiative allows families to use public funds for private education expenses, including tuition, textbooks, transportation, and therapy. The program is set to launch in the 2026–27 school year.

Program Overview

The ESA program provides families approximately $10,000 annually per student to cover private school tuition and related educational costs. Students with disabilities may receive up to $30,000, while homeschool families are eligible for $2,000. Eligibility extends to all Texas school-age children who are U.S. citizens, including those already enrolled in private schools.

The program will fund up to 90,000 ESA slots in its first year. Priority is given to students with disabilities and families earning under 500% of the federal poverty level (approximately $160,000+ annually for a family of four).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ESA program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.

  • Be eligible to enroll in a Texas public school for grades K–12 or in a public prekindergarten program.

  • Not be enrolled in a public school while participating in the ESA program.

Students currently attending private schools or those entering kindergarten or pre-K for the first time are eligible. However, students cannot simultaneously enroll in a public school and the ESA program.

Higher-Income Families and Lottery Allocation

While the ESA program is open to all Texas families, including those with higher incomes, the allocation of funds is subject to prioritization and a lottery system. Specifically, up to 20% of the program's initial $1 billion may go to higher-income families earning 500% or more of the federal poverty level (approximately $160,000+ annually for a family of four).

If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, a lottery system will be employed to allocate ESA slots.

The prioritization is as follows:

1. Students with disabilities from families earning less than 500% of the federal poverty level.

2. Families earning at or below 200% of the poverty level (under ~$64,300 for a family of four).

3. Families earning between 200% and 500% of the poverty level.

4. Families earning above 500% of the poverty level (limited to 20% of total funds).

Next Steps for Parents

1. Stay Informed: The Texas Comptroller's office is responsible for finalizing program rules and application procedures by May 15, 2026. A dedicated website is expected to launch in September 2025 to provide updates.

2. Research Schools: Identify accredited private schools that have been operating for at least two years as only these schools are eligible to participate in the ESA program.

3. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as proof of income, residency, and citizenship to streamline the application process once it opens.

4. Utilize Resources: Use tools like TxSchoolVoucher.com to check eligibility and estimate potential funding.

5. Attend Informational Sessions: Organizations like the Texas Private Schools Association and San Antonio Charter Moms host forums to help parents understand the details of the ESA program.

Not Sure where to start? Contact us today!

 

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