Texas Education Freedom Account Family Applications Open One Week from Today

January 28, 2026

(AUSTIN) - At the midway point of National School Choice Week and with just a week remaining before applications open on Feb. 4, Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock is encouraging families to visit EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov to get ready for the launch of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA).

More than 1,400 private schools and education providers across Texas have already registered to participate, with the number growing daily.

To help parents prepare, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has provided tools to help families find participating schools and understand eligibility and funding.

"Texas families are just days away from opening the door to new educational opportunities," Hancock said. "We're launching the largest day-one school choice program in the nation, and we want parents to feel confident and informed about the new choices you'll have ahead. Our goal is to make this process simple and focused on helping families find the learning path that works best for each of their children."

Applications will open at 9 a.m. Feb. 4, and will be submitted online at EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov. The application is mobile-friendly, and most families can complete it in less than 15 minutes. Families will have until March 17 to apply, and the program is not first come, first served.

If more families apply than available funding allows, a lottery will be used, with eligible families prioritized as required by law. Students with disabilities are at the top of the prioritization list. Parents can learn more about prioritization, funding amounts and program details on the website.

Applying for a Texas Education Freedom Account does not mean families are committed to use the funds at a particular school. Families can explore their options and decide what works best for them, and more schools and education services will continue to join the program on a rolling basis. Funds may be used for a variety of approved education expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring and other qualifying educational services.

As part of its statewide outreach effort, the Comptroller's office is hosting informational events across the state and running a video advertising campaign, "Freedom to Learn Your Way," to help ensure families across Texas are aware of the application window and available resources.

The video ads are running on streaming TV platforms, parenting and education websites, and YouTube. The campaign includes the following ads:

Families are encouraged to visit EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov to review the parent prep checklist, explore participating schools and sign up for updates ahead of next week's launch. The Comptroller's office will continue publishing updates and guidance in the coming days to help families navigate the application process and make informed decisions for their children.