After opening the inaugural application window for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, the state has announced that it has shattered records for first day enrollments through the new school choice program.
On Feb. 4, more than 42,000 students have applied for TEFA, more than 9,000 more than the previous record of 33,000 held by Tennessee in 2025. The number of applicants is only expected to rise in the coming days, with more than 46,000 students having applied by Feb. 5.
The TEFA program was established in 2025 to provide families with more education options and opportunities. Supported by a $1 billion fund, parents selected for the program may apply those awards to enroll their children in schools outside the public school system. Families still have time to apply, with applications being accepted until March 17.
The funds can only be applied to schools that have elected to participate in the program. Currently, 80.3% of student applicants have indicated they will attend a private school for the next school year, with the remaining 19.7% electing other options. The statistics show that:
- 34% of applicants have household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line.
- 38% of applicants have household incomes have between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty line.
Senate Bill 2 – the law that authorized TEFA’s creation – established three top priority groups to be considered for awards. Nearly 75% of applicants have been placed in one of these groups, including:
- 10% have been placed in the top priority tier for students with disabilities and household incomes below 500% of the federal poverty line.
- 29% have been placed in the second priority tier for students with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line.
- 33% have been placed in the third priority tier for students with household incomes between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty line.
Parents may use funds received through the TEFA program to cover approved education-related expenses available through the program marketplace. This may include tuition, textbooks, uniforms, private tutoring, transportation or other related costs.
Awards will vary in amount based on each student’s circumstances and which educational setting is chosen. To be accepted, parents must provide proof that their child is a citizen or national of the U.S., reside in Texas and eligible to attend a public school or open-enrollment charter school or program.
Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels
This story is a part of the weekly Texas Government Insider digital news publication. See more of the latest Texas government news here. For more national government news, check Government Market News daily for new stories, insights and profiles from public sector professionals.