HOUSTON – Just hours after Texas officially opened applications for its new school voucher program, thousands of families rushed to sign up.
By noon on Wednesday, more than 20,000 students had applied, including 8,000 in the first hour alone, according to state officials.
The program represents one of the biggest changes to Texas public education in more than a century, and for many families, the questions are just beginning. From how to apply, to who qualifies, to how the money actually works, KPRC 2 is breaking down the full process and answering the most common questions parents are asking.
Where should families start if they’re interested?
Answer: Do your research and start conversations early.
State officials say families should begin by:
- Researching schools they’re interested in
- Contacting those schools directly
- Asking if they are participating in the voucher program
- Starting enrollment conversations now
There are thousands of schools in the Houston area already participating in the program, and state leaders say new schools are being added every day.
If a school is not currently listed, families are advised not to panic, as registration is ongoing.
How do families apply?
Families must apply online at:
Applicants must create an account. According to the state’s acting comptroller, the application takes about 10 minutes to complete.
What families will need:
- A valid ID
- Income documentation
- Student identification documents
- Documentation for special education services (if applicable)
Why this information is required
Kelly Hancock, Acting Comptroller of Texas, says income and special education status directly affects how applications are prioritized:
“Basically an ID, and then because we are going to weight this based on income, so low income get preferential treatment, especially with special needs as well, don’t need that information as well, both the information showing that there are special needs that need to be met, and then financial information as well.”
How many schools can you apply for?
Answer: Families may research multiple schools but can only apply for one school when submitting their voucher application.
Families are placed into a pool during the application window. The program is not first-come, first-served.
If more families apply than there is money available, vouchers will be awarded through a lottery system.
Who gets priority?
Priority is given to:
- Students with special needs
- Low-income families
Hancock explains why selecting the right school matters:
“We’re assuming that you’re going to select schools that you’re familiar with. And so the notification of that school that you’ve selected is very important that you have that ongoing communication as well. Number one, you want to make sure that they’re, you know, you may be waiting for a school to be registered and they have no intention of being registered.”
What if families homeschool their children?
Answer: Homeschooled students are eligible for up to $2,000 per year in voucher funds.
That money can be used for approved educational supplies and educational services.
What are the chances my child gets a voucher?
Answer: State leaders say not every family that applies will be approved.
If applications exceed available funding:
- Vouchers will be decided through a lottery system
- Priority will again go to students with special needs and low-income families
How does the money process work once you’re approved?
Answer: The amount depends on the type of education option selected.
Funding amounts:
- Private school students: $10,474
- Homeschool or microschool students: up to $2,000
- Students with special needs: up to $30,000
Where the money goes
State officials say the money does not go directly to parents.
Instead, it moves through a secure online portal and is paid directly to:
- Registered private schools
- Approved educational service providers
Hancock explains how the system works:
“And so each school gets a private link… and then once they receive the link, they register with us… that provides that secure transaction between the two entities so that those financial resources can be made available and safe and secure.”
State leaders say the system is designed to:
- Limit fraud
- Track taxpayer dollars
- Create accountability for spending
Funds are expected to begin flowing to schools sometime in May.
Application window and deadline
Applications opened at 9 a.m. and will remain open until March 17.
Officials stress the program is not first-come, first-served, meaning families do not need to rush to apply immediately.
As of noon on opening day:
- More than 20,000 students had applied
- About 8,000 students applied in the first hour alone
What families should remember
- This is one of the largest changes to Texas education policy in generations
- Not every applicant will receive a voucher
- Selection may be determined by lottery
- Priority goes to low-income families and students with special needs
- Money does not go directly to parents
- Funds are distributed through a secure portal
- Schools and providers must be registered
Families with additional questions are encouraged to reach out directly: rturner@kprc.com