Nearly 73,000 Texas students to receive first Education Freedom Account funding July 1

July 2, 2026 - 04:39

Nearly 73,000 Texas students are set to receive their first Education Freedom Account funding on July 1, marking the official launch of the state's new school choice program. The initiative, which was approved by the Texas Legislature and signed into law last year, provides eligible families with taxpayer-funded accounts that can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and other educational expenses.

The Texas Education Agency confirmed that the first round of deposits will go out to approved applicants on Tuesday. Each account will receive an initial deposit of roughly $8,000 per student, though the exact amount may vary depending on the student's specific needs and the type of educational services selected. Families can also use the funds for transportation, therapy services, and technology costs related to learning.

Supporters of the program argue it gives low-income and middle-class families more options, especially those in underperforming school districts. Critics, however, warn that diverting public money to private schools could weaken the state's public education system. The program is capped at 100,000 participants for the first year, and demand has been high. State officials say they expect the remaining slots to fill quickly as the program expands.