How to apply for Texas school vouchers

Catch up quick: Gov. Greg Abbott has long supported the idea, and after the effort came up short in 2023, he spent millions of dollars backing pro-voucher Republican primary challengers to legislators who opposed vouchers.

• The measure passed last year, largely along party lines.

How it works: Families can apply to receive $10,474 to help pay for private school for the 2026–27 school year. The children must meet Texas residency requirements and be U.S. citizens.

• Homeschooled students may qualify for up to $2,000 a year.
• Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 to attend a private school if they have an individualized education program on file with the Texas Education Agency before the application period ends.

State of play: The application window for next school year is open until March 17.

• Parents will receive funding notifications in April.
• The first round of funding, up to 25% of what was approved for each student, will be dispersed in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts on July 1.
• The next round will be deposited Oct. 1, and the rest will be banked April 1, 2027.

The intrigue: The vouchers can be used for prekindergarten at a private school if the child meets one of the criteria for free public pre-K, including the inability to speak and comprehend English, having a parent who is an active duty service member and eligibility for the national school lunch program.

By the numbers: There are 431 schools in Dallas-Fort Worth participating in the program.

• Most of the schools focus on elementary education. In North Texas, 170 offer middle school education, and 111 serve high school students.

What's next: Parents can register to attend an information session 11am–1pm Feb. 7 at the Shops at Redbird to learn more about the funds.

• Go to educationfreedom.texas.gov to apply.