Texas Parents Rush for New School Choice Program

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott's push for private school choice has resulted in a record-breaking 42,000 applications on the first day of the state's new K-12 education savings account (ESA) program. The quick take-up is notable, as families have until mid-March to apply. Of the first-day applicants with verified information, 34% have household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, while 38% have income between 200% and 500% of the poverty threshold.

Why it matters

The strong demand for the new ESA program highlights the desire among Texas parents for more educational options beyond the traditional public school system. This aligns with Governor Abbott's political agenda to expand school choice, which he has made a priority. The high number of low-income applicants also suggests the program is reaching families who may have previously lacked access to private schooling.

The details

The ESA program, which was signed into law by Governor Abbott, allows families to use public funds to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other educational costs. On the first day the program opened for applications, over 42,000 families signed up, setting a new record for any new school choice initiative. By the end of the week, the number of applicants had grown to 60,000.

• The ESA program application period opened on Wednesday, February 8, 2026.
• By Friday, February 10, 2026, the number of applicants had grown to 60,000.
• Families have until mid-March 2026 to apply for the ESA program.

What’s next

The state comptroller's office will continue processing the flood of ESA applications received, with the goal of approving eligible families by the mid-March deadline.