Texas families who enrolled their children in participating private schools received a fresh boost on Thursday, October 1, when the state disbursed the second 25% installment of the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program. The payment follows the initial summer distribution and moves the statewide school‑choice initiative into its next funding phase.
How the funding works
Under the EFA schedule, each eligible private‑school student is entitled to a total award of $10,474 for the 2026‑27 school year. The award represents roughly 85% of the average state and local per‑pupil funding that public schools receive. The first two installments each provide about $2,618.50, while the remaining 50% is slated for a February 1, 2027 deposit.
Students with a qualifying Individualized Education Program (IEP) may receive up to $30,000, depending on the amount their local public district would have spent on special‑education services. Those without a qualifying IEP receive the standard $10,474 award.
Eligibility and enrollment requirements
To qualify for the private‑school schedule, families must keep their child enrolled in a participating private school throughout the award year. Homeschoolers and students in other education categories follow a different schedule, receiving a flat $2,000 annual award in a single payment.
The state’s guidelines require participating private schools to accept EFA funds for qualifying tuition and fees and prohibit schools from charging different rates solely because a student receives an EFA award.
Demand far exceeds supply
During the February‑March application window, more than 274,000 families applied for the inaugural program, far outstripping the number of awards initially available. By late July, the state had funded 85,344 students, and the second‑round payment brings the total number of families receiving awards to over 100,000.
When demand outpaced resources, the Legislature established a priority framework that placed students with disabilities and those from lower‑income households at the top of the list. As families decline participation, change educational settings, or additional funds become available, the state moves wait‑listed students into the program.
Timing of the October installment
According to the funding schedule, private‑school students who confirmed enrollment by September 15 were eligible for the October 1 payment. Families who enroll later may receive a prorated amount based on the date they join the program.
The 2026‑27 application window is now closed, but families who missed the first cycle can join an interest list for updates on the 2027‑28 round.
What this means for Texas families
The continued rollout of Education Freedom Accounts underscores the state’s commitment to expanding parental choice and empowering families to direct resources toward the educational setting that best fits their child’s needs. By providing a substantial portion of public‑school funding directly to families, the program aims to foster competition, improve educational outcomes, and give parents greater control over their children’s learning environment.
State officials encourage families to review the program’s guidelines and ensure they meet enrollment deadlines to maximize the benefits of the remaining funding installments.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
