Texas Launches $1B Education Freedom Account Program

Families can now apply for new state-funded education choice initiative.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas families can now apply for the state's new $1 billion Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, which allows eligible students to direct funding toward their choice of preapproved educational providers and services such as private school tuition, instructional materials, and educational therapies.

Why it matters

The TEFA program represents a major expansion of school choice in Texas, giving parents more control over their children's education and the ability to select the learning environment that best fits their needs. This is part of a broader push by the state to become a national leader in education.

The details

The TEFA program is accepting applications from January 30, 2026 through the start of the 2026-2027 school year. With $1 billion in initial funding, it will be the largest day-one launch of an education choice program in the country. Eligible students can use the funds for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other approved expenses.

  • The TEFA program is accepting applications from January 30, 2026 through the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
  • The $1 billion in funding for the TEFA program will be available for the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Governor Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who established the TEFA program and is championing it as a way to give parents more control over their children's education.

Kelly Hancock

The Acting Comptroller of Texas who praised Governor Abbott's leadership in creating the TEFA program.

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What they’re saying

“With Texas Education Freedom Accounts, more parents can choose the learning environment that's best for their child and more students will be able to reach their unique potential.”

— Governor Greg Abbott (sanangelolive.com)

“Governor Abbott's unwavering leadership made this moment possible for Texas families. The Texas Education Freedom Account program puts parents firmly in charge of their children's education, ensuring families have real options and the flexibility to choose the educational path that best meets their child's needs, setting students across Texas up for success.”

— Kelly Hancock, Acting Comptroller (sanangelolive.com)

What’s next

The TEFA program will begin accepting applications on January 30, 2026, with the $1 billion in funding available for the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

The launch of the Texas Education Freedom Account program represents a major expansion of school choice in the state, empowering parents to select the educational options that best fit their children's needs. This initiative is part of Texas' broader efforts to become a national leader in education.