Texas families are responding to a new opportunity for educational choice in overwhelming numbers. As of February 17, 2026, more than 100,000 students have applied for the Texas Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, which opened to families on February 4th. The program saw over 30,000 applications within the first day, including 8,000 in the first hour alone.
A New Path for Texas Students
The Texas EFA program marks the state’s first foray into private educational choice. Backed by $1 billion in funding from the Texas legislature, the program aims to fund roughly 90,000 accounts in its first year. All K-12 students in Texas are eligible to apply, making it a universal ESA program.
Funds can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition and fees, textbooks, uniforms, and services offered by public school districts, among other approved costs.
Priority for Funding
Although the program is open to all students, a tiered priority system will determine which applicants receive funding due to the program’s funding cap. The first priority is given to children with disabilities from households earning at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (roughly $160,000 for a family of four). Following that, priority is given to students from households earning at or below 200% of the FPL (roughly $64,000), then those between 200% and 500% FPL. Students from higher-income households who attended public school for at least 90% of the prior year, and finally, all other students, will also be considered.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is overseeing the program, with Odyssey selected as the certified educational assistance organization (CEAO) to assist with administration.
What’s Next?
The sheer number of applications—already exceeding 100,000—indicates the program is likely oversubscribed. The final number of students who will participate will depend on the distribution of applicants across the priority tiers and the varying scholarship amounts available. The Comptroller’s office and the CEAO are required to publish an annual report detailing program data, including the number of applications received, accepted, and waitlisted, as well as participant satisfaction and demographic information.
Given the high demand, families will be placed on a waitlist. Other states, like Florida, have addressed similar situations by moving towards universal funding to eliminate waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas Education Freedom Account program?
The Texas EFA program is Texas’ first private educational choice program, beginning in the fall of 2026. It provides eligible families with funding to help cover educational expenses.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
All K-12 students in Texas are eligible to apply for the program. However, funding will be distributed based on a priority system.
When will the Comptroller’s office release more data about applicants?
According to statute, the Comptroller’s office and the CEAO will publish an annual report detailing data on applications, participants, and program outcomes.
As Texas embarks on this new path for educational freedom, what role will funding and equitable access play in shaping the program’s long-term success?
