Greg Abbott Touts Record Demand for Texas School Choice Program

February 17, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott on Monday celebrated what he called record-breaking interest in Texas’ new school choice initiative, with more than 100,000 families applying to the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program in less than two weeks.

State officials say the surge represents the largest launch of a new school choice program in the nation’s history. The program allows eligible students to direct state-funded education dollars toward approved education providers, including private schools and other educational services.

“The TEFA program receiving more than 100,000 applications in less than two weeks proves that families overwhelmingly want school choice,” Abbott said. “Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them.”

The TEFA program was created under Senate Bill 2 and includes $1 billion in funding for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. It is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock.

Abbott praised Hancock for his role in launching the program and said the initiative gives parents more control over their children’s academic success regardless of income or geographic location.

Families began applying on February 4. Applications will remain open through March 17, and officials emphasize the program is not first-come, first-served. All Texas children who live in the state and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Approved families may use TEFA funds for tuition, transportation, and other qualifying education-related expenses.