Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on March 9 that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program have exceeded 160,000 students just one month into the application period.
The high number of applicants highlights significant interest in the new school choice initiative as families seek to participate before the March 17 deadline. The TEFA program is designed to expand educational options for Texas families by providing funding for eligible students to attend participating schools.
Hancock said, “Demand is strong for the record-setting launch of school choice in Texas.” He encouraged families not to wait until the last minute, adding, “While there is still some time to apply, we want to make sure families don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in this historic program’s first year, so we’re encouraging folks to avoid waiting until the last minute and go ahead and apply now.”
The Comptroller’s office has released preliminary data about TEFA applicants, including information by grade level, school district, and Education Service Center region. Officials noted that these numbers will change as more applications are submitted and clarified that not every applicant will ultimately participate in the program. After applications close, funding will be allocated through a lottery system that gives priority to students with disabilities and those from low- and middle-income families.
The office also plans to report waitlist figures to the Texas Legislature for consideration in future funding decisions. Hancock said, “We’re expecting to sell out in year one,” and added that efforts are underway “laying a strong foundation for school choice in Texas to flourish for years to come.”
More than 2,200 schools have signed up so far. Families do not need to select a school when applying; additional schools may join as the program continues.
