Houston, Texas – Texas families, it’s time to take charge of your children’s education. Starting today, February 4, parents and guardians can apply for the state’s new Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), commonly known as the school voucher program. The application window will remain open until March 17, giving families a limited opportunity to explore new educational options for their children.

This program is designed to expand school choice and provide families with greater flexibility in how and where their children are educated. Before applying, here’s what families should know.

What Are Education Savings Accounts?

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) provide state-funded money that families can use for approved educational expenses. These funds are not limited to traditional public schools and may be used for private school tuition, tutoring, online learning programs, and other eligible educational services.

The goal of the program is to allow parents to choose educational settings that best meet their child’s academic, emotional, or developmental needs, rather than being restricted by school district boundaries.

Texas has allocated approximately $1 billion to the ESA program. Because demand may exceed available funding, families are encouraged to apply and be prepared.

Preparing to Apply: What Families Should Have Ready

Although the application is not first-come, first-served, having documents ready can make the process faster and easier. The application is expected to take about 10 minutes to complete.

Identification Documents

For Parents or Legal Guardians (one or more may be required):

• Texas Driver License or Texas Identification Card

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), if applicable

• Government-issued photo identification

For Students:

• Birth Certificate

• U.S. Passport

• Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), if applicable

Income Information

Income details may be used to determine eligibility and priority status. Families should be prepared to provide:

• Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)

• W-2 or 1099 forms

• Proof of public assistance, if applicable (SNAP, TANF, SSI)

• Household income documentation for all working adults

Special Needs or School-Identified Documentation (If Applicable)

Families applying under special education or learning support categories may need:

• Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• 504 Plan

• Evaluation or diagnosis from a licensed professional

• Documentation from a public or private school identifying learning needs

School or Education Provider Information

Applicants may be asked how they plan to use ESA funds, including:

• Name of an eligible private school

• Approved tutoring or educational service providers

• Online or virtual education programs

• Special education services or therapies

ESA funds are paid directly to approved schools or providers, not to families.

Additional Information That May Be Requested

• Student’s current school and grade level

• Proof of Texas residency

• Parent or guardian contact information

• Agreement to program terms and accountability requirements

How Much Funding Is Available?

Approved students may receive up to $10,400 per year. Students with documented special needs may qualify for funding of up to $30,000, reflecting the higher cost of specialized educational services.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to all Texas families. Priority may be given to families based on income level or special needs status. If applications exceed available funding, the state may use a lottery system to distribute funds fairly.

School Options Available

Approximately 1,600 private schools across Texas have opted into the program, including many in major metro areas such as Houston. Families choosing private schools must ensure the school is eligible and selected during the application process.

Key Dates to Remember

• Application Open: February 4

• Application Deadline: March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

• Award Notifications: Expected in early April

• Funds Available: July 1, aligned with the 2026–27 school year

Why This Matters

Education plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. ESAs offer families more control over their children’s learning environments and can be especially meaningful for students who struggle in traditional classroom settings.

Supporters say the program encourages innovation and competition among schools, which may improve educational quality statewide. Critics, however, raise concerns about funding distribution and long-term impacts on public education, questions that will continue to be debated as the program rolls out.

A Human Impact

For parents watching a child struggle academically or emotionally, the options can feel limited. ESAs provide an alternative path, offering families hope and the opportunity to find environments where their children can truly thrive.

A Time-Sensitive Opportunity

The Education Savings Account program represents a significant shift in how education is funded and accessed in Texas. For families seeking more personalized educational solutions, this may be a transformative opportunity.

Those interested are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit an application before March 17. The choices made now could shape a child’s educational journey for years to come.