What is Texas’s Education Savings Account Program? 

The Texas Education Savings Account Program provides parents and students with the freedom to choose their own education. With an ESA, parents may direct funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks and other instructional materials, and courses at local schools and colleges.  

Is my child eligible? 

Every student who is eligible to enroll in a Texas public school for grades K-12 or a free pre-Kindergarten program is eligible for an ESA.  

My child is already enrolled at a private school. Are we eligible? 

Yes, if your child is currently enrolled in an accredited private school, they are eligible for an ESA. 

How does it work? 

A Certified Educational Assistance Organization (CEAO) will help you apply to the program. Once accepted, the CEAO will guide you through making qualifying purchases, including private school tuition, textbooks and other instructional materials, and courses at local schools, colleges, and career & technical programs. 

When can I apply? 

Parents may apply for an ESA in early 2026.  They can enroll their child in the program for the start of the 2026-27 school year.  

Yes, sign me up for updates on when I can apply for my child! 

What can I purchase with an ESA? 

• Tuition and fees for accredited private schools

• Textbooks or other instructional materials 

• Classes or other educational services provided by a school district

• Transportation provided by a fee-for-service transportation provider

• Educational therapies or services provided by a practitioner or provider 

• Computer hardware or software required by an educational service provider or prescribed by a physician (up to 10% of the child’s account that year) 

• Cost of breakfast or lunch provided during the school day by a private school 

Do I have to attend an accredited private school if I participate in the ESA Program? 

No, you may use the ESA to supplement your homeschool education. 

What is the amount of the ESA? 

For students enrolled in an accredited private school, the ESA amount will be about $11,000. Students not enrolled in an accredited private school will receive $2,000. Students with a disability will be entitled to the same amount as they would have received at a public school based on their individual education plan, up to $30,000. 

How will I receive my ESA grant?  

The ESA grant will be held by the comptroller for the ESA participant. Funds will be released to the CEAO for the purchase of approved educational expenses upon the direction of the parent. 

Is there a prioritization for ESA Funds? 

Yes, applicants are prioritized in the following order: 

• Children with a disability from a household with an income that is 500% or less than the federal poverty line ($160,751 and below for a family of 4); 

• Children from a household with an income that is 200% or less than the federal poverty line ($64,300 and below for a family of 4);  

• Children from a household with an income that is between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty line(Between $64,301 and $160,750 for a family of 4); and 

• Children from a household with an income that is more than 500% of the federal poverty line($160,750 and above for a family of 4).  

What if one of my children is already participating in the program? 

Siblings of children already participating in the program are prioritized.  

I’m not low-income, is my student still eligible? 

Yes! While, low-income families receive first priority to utilize the ESA funds, all students, including those from higher income families are eligible to receive an ESA if funding is still available. 

If my child does not receive an ESA, is there a waitlist? 

Yes, the comptroller will maintain a statewide waitlist and you will be informed if a position opens. The program also has a provision that allows for the inclusion of students on the waitlist, subject to increased appropriation by future Texas legislatures. The first opportunity to increase the funding amount above $1 billion will be in 2027 during the 90th Legislative Session. 

What services can my student expect if they are special needs? 

Parents of students with special needs should contact any private school they are considering to discuss what kinds of services the school can provide and what learning plan would be appropriate for their student. Many private schools offer extensive special education services, and some even specialize in serving students with special needs.  

Here is a link to Accredited Texas Private Schools that specialize in educating students with special needs.  

Can I enroll in the ESA program while remaining at my public school?  

No: You may not participate in the ESA program if you are enrolled in a public school, but you may still be able to participate in certain classes or other educational services provided by the district. 

Will my student be required to take the STAAR? 

Accredited private schools will be required to administer a nationally norm-referenced test or the STAAR for grades 3-12 on the same schedule as public schools. There is no testing requirement for home-school students.