More than 100,000 students have applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) within two weeks of the program’s launch, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. This represents the largest rollout of a new school choice initiative in U.S. history.
Parents still have over a month to submit applications before the March 17 deadline. The TEFA program is not based on a first-come, first-served basis; instead, if applications exceed available funding, spots will be awarded through a lottery system. The lottery will give priority to students with disabilities and those from low- and middle-income households.
A recent fact sheet from the Comptroller’s office indicates that about 70 percent of applicants come from low- or middle-income families, reflecting the economic diversity targeted by Senate Bill 2, which established this school choice program.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock stated, “Texas families are embracing a new era of educational freedom at historic levels. For years, parents have asked for more control and more choices when it comes to their children’s education. Texas is delivering, and families are seizing the opportunity.”
Hancock also emphasized accessibility: “We want every eligible Texas family to know this program is built for them. The application is simple, mobile-friendly and takes just minutes to complete. This is about putting parents in the driver’s seat and giving every child the chance to learn in the environment that fits them best.”
Further information about TEFA and participating schools can be found at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
