Texas ESA Program

The Texas Legislature created the education savings account program in 2025 to give families more choices in their child’s education. The program was then officially named Texas Education Freedom Accounts. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, funds will be made available to eligible students accepted into the program that can be used for tuition, tutoring, home-school educational expenses or other approved education expenses.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will oversee the program to ensure funds are used properly. Odyssey was selected as the certified educational assistance organization (CEAO) that will help with administration of the program under the Comptroller’s oversight.

Children are eligible to participate if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents and are eligible to attend a Texas school district or open-enrollment charter school or K-12 program, including children of a parent who is an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces. The parent must be a Texas resident.

The amount depends on the child’s situation:

Private school students

State law sets the amount of the transfer at 85 percent of the statewide average amount of state and local funding per student in Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will determine the exact amount for the first year of the program in January 2026, but it is estimated at approximately $10,800 per child if the student attends an approved private school.

Students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP) on file with their school district

May receive more — up to $30,000 per year (depending on the type of disability).

Home-schooled students

May receive up to $2,000 per year.

Not necessarily. If applications exceed available funding, a lottery will decide placement. State law sets this priority order:

1. Siblings of children already in the program (after the first round of selections).
2. Children with a disability who are members of a household with income at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).
3. Children from households at or below 200 percent FPL.
4. Children from households above 200 percent and below 500 percent FPL.
5. Children from households at or above 500 percent FPL, prioritized by children who were enrolled in a Texas public school district or open-enrollment charter school for at least 90 percent of the preceding school year, according to the TEA. No more than 20 percent of total program funds may be spent on this category in a given school year.

If during an application period, there are more acceptable applications for admission than there are available positions, a wait list will be established based on the priority categories listed above.

The parent of the child can submit an application. Parent means a resident of this state who is a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, legal guardian, custodian, or other person with legal authority to act on behalf of a child.

No.  Once awarded, participants in good standing stay in the program automatically. Families only need to confirm they want to continue.

Yes, if the provider applies for approval and is accepted into the program.

Yes. Families may use funds for approved CTE programs.

The Comptroller is required to contract with a private entity to audit accounts and program eligibility at least annually to ensure compliance with applicable law. The State Auditor will also perform periodic audits to verify compliance with eligibility requirements and that funds are used for approved expenses.

The initial application period is expected to open early in 2026, though the exact date has not yet been finalized. Families may sign up for updates from the Comptroller’s office.