At a glance
Texas enacted a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program in 2025 (Senate Bill 2) — one of the largest single school-choice expansions in the country — scheduled to launch in the 2026–27 school year. Texas also has a large public charter sector.
This state's choice programs
The new ESA program gives eligible families a state-funded account (reported at roughly $10,000 per student) to spend on approved education expenses — private-school tuition, tutoring, materials, and more. It’s funded at about $1 billion to start and designed to be broadly available. Because it’s new and launching, confirm the exact rules, amounts, and application windows with the state.
Eligibility
Eligibility is broad (aimed at most Texas students), though — as with many programs — funding is capped, so not every applicant is guaranteed a funded seat, especially early on. Confirm current eligibility and priority rules.
Applying
Applications will run through the state’s ESA administrator. Watch for the application window ahead of the 2026–27 launch, and confirm requirements on the official site.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Legal & legislative status
The program is newly launching, and details (amounts, eligibility, timelines) are being finalized and may be subject to legal or legislative change. Confirm the current status.
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does Texas have a private-school-choice program?Yes — Texas enacted a universal ESA (SB 2) launching 2026–27, at roughly $10,000 per student.
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- New programUniversal ESA (SB 2)
- Launches2026–27 school year
- Amount~$10,000 per student
- TypeEducation Savings Account
- PlusPublic charters & open enrollment
- Confirm withThe state program
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: