Texas School Choice Program Surges Past 130,000 Applications in Historic Rollout

February 26, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas’ new Education Freedom Account program has drawn more than 130,000 student applications at the halfway point of its initial enrollment window, marking what state officials describe as the largest launch of a school choice initiative in U.S. history.

The program, approved by lawmakers earlier this year and administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, will provide eligible families with state-funded accounts beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Those funds can be used to cover private school tuition and fees, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, therapy services for students with disabilities, and other approved educational costs.

According to state data, roughly 2,000 private and accredited schools have registered to participate so far, creating a broad network of options across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Most applicants intend to use the funds for private school enrollment, while a smaller percentage plan to pursue homeschooling or customized learning arrangements.

Although interest has exceeded expectations, participation in the first year will be capped at about 100,000 students due to legislative funding limits. State officials say applications will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, awards will be determined using a weighted system that considers educational need and socioeconomic factors, meaning families are not penalized for applying later in the window.

Supporters argue the program empowers parents with greater flexibility and competition in education, potentially improving outcomes statewide. Critics, including some public school advocates, contend the accounts could redirect funding away from traditional public schools already facing budget pressures.

With weeks remaining before the application deadline, education analysts expect total interest to climb even higher. The strong early response underscores the intensity of the school choice debate in Texas — and signals that demand for alternative education pathways is significant as the state prepares for the 2026–27 academic year.