Texas School Choice
School choice in Texas refers to the range of publicly supported education options beyond a family’s assigned neighborhood public school. These include the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant, tuition-free charter schools, homeschooling, and the upcoming federal Education Freedom Tax Credit scholarships. Depending on the program and student eligibility, Texas families may access funding ranging from $1,500 to $30,000 per year to support their child’s education.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program gives families greater flexibility in customizing their child’s education. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, eligible students in Texas can receive state funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition. There is $1 billion allocated for the inaugural program.
Texas Parent-Directed Special Education Services
The Texas Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Program provides one-time grants of $1,500 to eligible families of students receiving special education services in Texas public schools. This program assists families in obtaining additional educational materials, resources, and services to support their child’s unique learning needs.
Charter Schools
Texas allows charter schools under a state-authorized system overseen by the State Board for Educator Certification and local jurisdictions. These tuition-free public schools offer alternative education models—such as STEM, arts, and innovative teaching methods—to meet diverse student needs.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Seeking Private School Tuition Help
TEFA (up to $10,474; up to $30,000 for students with disabilities)
Transferring out of a Public School
TEFA (priority for former public school students in certain tiers) or charter schools
Homeschooling
TEFA Homeschool (up to $2,000/year)
Seeking a Free Public Alternative
Charter schools or inter-/intra-district transfers
Caring for a student with an IEP in public school
PDSES (one-time $1,500 grant)
Lower- to middle-income (≤300% AMI)
Starting 2027, federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per year for donations made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)?
TEFA is a state-funded Education Savings Account program created by Senate Bill 2 in 2025. It provides eligible families with funds — up to $10,474 per student annually — to pay for private school tuition, homeschool expenses, tutoring, and other approved education costs beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Does my child have to leave public school to participate in TEFA?
Yes. TEFA is only available to students who are not enrolled in a Texas public school or open-enrollment charter school. Current public school students must unenroll to participate.
Are charter schools free in Texas?
Yes. Texas charter schools are public schools and are completely tuition-free, funded through state per-pupil funding similar to traditional public schools.
Can I homeschool my child in Texas?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Texas and considered a form of private schooling. Requirements: instruction must be bona fide, curriculum must be in visual form, and it must cover reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. No state testing, registration, or teacher certification is required.
Can I combine school choice programs?
Yes, in some cases. TEFA can be combined with private school scholarships, and starting in 2027, potentially with federal tax credit scholarships. However, TEFA cannot be used while a student is enrolled in a public or charter school.
Is TEFA first-come, first-served?
No. TEFA uses a lottery-based system. All applications submitted during the application window are treated equally. If demand exceeds available funding, students are prioritized based on disability status and family income.
Do I have to reapply for TEFA every year?
No. Families accepted into the program who remain in good standing are automatically renewed. They only need to confirm their intent to continue.
Can my child attend any charter school in Texas?
Yes. Open-enrollment charter schools accept students from anywhere in the state. Admission is not restricted by home address or district boundaries.
When does the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit start?
It takes effect January 1, 2027. Texas has announced its intent to participate. Application timing and scholarship cycles will be determined by individual SGOs once the program launches.