More Texas Students Receive School Choice Funds
May 5, 2026 – More than 53,000 additional Texas students are set to receive school choice funding this week, marking a significant expansion of the state’s new education program. The latest group of accepted applicants falls under Tier 2 eligibility, which includes families earning at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level—approximately $66,000 annually for a family of four.
The announcement builds on an earlier round of awards distributed last month, when more than 42,600 students in the program’s highest-priority category were approved. That top tier primarily includes students with disabilities and their siblings, reflecting the program’s initial focus on families with the greatest need for specialized educational options.
Despite the large number of awards, demand for the program has far outpaced available resources. State officials report that more than 274,000 applications were submitted during the initial application window, far exceeding the $1 billion allocated for the program’s first year. As a result, many families remain on a waitlist, hoping additional funding or declined offers will open more opportunities.
Families who receive funding offers in this latest round must make a decision by July 15. Those who decline or fail to respond will forfeit their awards, which will then be redistributed to students currently on the waitlist. This rolling process is expected to continue as the state works to maximize the number of students served within the program’s budget constraints.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it provides families with greater flexibility to choose educational settings that best meet their children’s needs, including private schools, tutoring, or other approved learning services. Critics, however, have raised concerns about limited funding, equitable access, and the potential impact on public school systems.
As the program moves forward, state leaders will likely face continued pressure to address the gap between demand and available funding, while families weigh their options ahead of the July deadline.
