More than 100,000 students have applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) in less than two weeks since the program opened, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. This figure represents the largest launch 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 when families apply; instead, if demand exceeds available funding, participants will be selected through a lottery system. The lottery gives priority to students with disabilities and those from low- and middle-income households.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock commented on the response: “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.”
A recent fact sheet from the Comptroller’s office indicates that about 70 percent of applicants come from low- or middle-income backgrounds—groups prioritized by Senate Bill 2, which established this school choice program.
“We want every eligible Texas family to know this program is built for them,” Hancock said. “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.
