Texas Education Freedom Accounts Reach Midway Milestone as Application Window Hits Three-Week Mark

February 25, 2026

(AUSTIN) - The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program has reached the midway point of its six-week family application window, with more than 130,000 student applications already submitted and more than 2,000 schools signed up to participate. Those numbers continue to rise daily.

The family application period opened Feb. 4 and will close March 17, leaving three weeks remaining for families to apply.

"Texas families are making their voices heard and signing up for school choice in huge, record-breaking numbers," Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said. "With spring break around the corner, we don't want the March 17 deadline to sneak up on anyone. So, if you're considering applying, we encourage you to take a few minutes now to complete your application."

Demand was evident immediately when enrollment opened, with more than 8,000 applications submitted in the first hour and more than 42,000 received on the first day alone.

Applications are not approved on a first-come, first-served basis. That means families who apply now will have the same chance of receiving funding as families who applied on the first day. Families also have until the March 17 deadline to edit their applications, upload additional documents and update their children's information.

"TEFA represents a significant investment in expanding educational opportunity and supporting long-term workforce readiness," added Hancock. "Our team is committed to ensuring students have access to learning environments that prepare them for success."

Families seeking additional information or wishing to apply before the March 17 deadline can visit EducationFreedom.Texas.Gov.