85K students will use new Texas Education Freedom Accounts this school year

August 5, 2026 - 07:28

More than 85,000 students are now signed up for Texas' new Education Freedom Accounts, a number that could keep climbing as the fall semester gets underway. The state comptroller's office confirmed the figure, noting that enrollment is expected to grow as families continue to apply and adjust their schooling plans.

The program, which provides state-funded accounts for private school tuition and other educational expenses, opened its doors to a wider pool of applicants this year. While the initial cap was set at a certain number, officials say demand has been strong, and they are monitoring capacity closely. The comptroller's office added that the pace of applications has not slowed since the summer, and they anticipate more families will jump in once the school year fully ramps up.

Parents who qualify can use the funds for things like tuition, tutoring, and instructional materials. The accounts are designed to give families more choice in how their children are educated, moving beyond the traditional public school system. Some districts have raised concerns about funding shifts, but state leaders have defended the program as a way to empower parents.

For now, the 85,000 figure marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which was a key priority for lawmakers last session. Whether that number holds or grows will depend on how many families finalize their applications in the coming weeks.