What Texas families need to know before applying for school vouchers

HOUSTON – Texas families considering private school options will soon be able to apply for Education Freedom Accounts, the state’s new voucher-style program, but experts say planning ahead is critical.

The application window opens February 4, 2026, and demand is expected to be high.

More than 300 private schools are currently approved to participate in the program in the Houston-area, though funding is limited and not guaranteed for every applicant.

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“Parents should be looking at the qualifications right now to make sure their child is eligible,” said Julie Blumberg, co-founder of Houston School Options, a private school consulting firm. “Even if you’re eligible, families need to understand it’s not guaranteed.”

Here’s how the state’s timeline breaks down:

• February 4–March 17: Application window is open
• Early April: Families notified if they are approved for funding
• July 1: At least 25% of approved funds available
• October 1: At least 50% of approved funds available
• April 1, 2027: Remaining funds available

For students attending private school, parents must list the school their child is enrolled in, and the school will be required to confirm enrollment.

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For the 2026–27 school year, applicants will be prioritized in the following order:

1. Children with disabilities from households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level
2. Children from households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level
3. Children from households earning between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty level
4. Children from households earning above 500% of the federal poverty level, with priority given to students who attended a Texas public or charter school for at least 90% of the previous school year

Funding for the highest-income group is capped and cannot exceed 20% of the total money allocated to the program for the school year.

• Texas Education Freedom Accounts: What we know about the state’s school voucher program

Blumberg warns families not to rely on voucher funds when committing to a private school.

“There’s going to be more applications than there are dollars,” she said. “Make sure you’re choosing a school you can afford and sustain without the voucher.”

Private school applications often open months earlier than the state’s funding decisions, with many deadlines falling between December and March. Families typically won’t know whether they received state funds until April around the same time schools ask parents to confirm attendance and submit deposits.

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Some schools require non-refundable deposits, while others may require full-year tuition if families back out.

“Read your contract really carefully,” Blumberg said.

Blumberg says families should focus on finding the right school for their child not the most popular one.

Parents should consider:

• Curriculum and academic programs
• Class structure and learning environment
• Distance and transportation logistics
• Total tuition costs, with or without voucher funding

She also encourages families to visit schools in person.

“Looking at a school online is like looking at a restaurant online,” Blumberg said. “You need to go in and see it for yourself.”

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Private school interest is already surging. Blumberg says application numbers last year rose 30 to 40 percent, and demand is expected to be even higher this year as voucher applications open.

With new schools opening to meet demand, she urges families to do their homework.

“Some amazing schools are popping up,” she said. “But families need to make sure the school is legitimate, accredited, safe, and truly a good fit for their child.”