Texas School Vouchers Are Coming in 2026: Here’s What Families Need to Know
In May 2025, Texas passed an education bill that introduces a new school voucher program, giving families more control over where and how their children learn. Although the program won’t launch until the 2026 school year, now is the time to get familiar with what’s coming and how to prepare.
Whether you’re just starting to explore private schools or already thinking about next steps, here’s what you need to know.
What the Texas ESA Program Offers
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, eligible families will be able to use publicly funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help cover the cost of private school and other approved educational services.
The goal of the program is simple: to expand educational choice for Texas families. Through these ESAs, families may receive $10,000 per student each year to use toward approved expenses such as:
- Private school tuition
- Tutoring
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Educational therapy
- Testing services
Students with disabilities may qualify for the standard ESA amount plus up to $30,000 in additional funding, while homeschoolers can receive up to $2,000 per year.
While the state will cover the cost, families must choose from an approved list of providers managed by the Texas Comptroller. That means participating schools, tutors, and service providers will need to be registered with the program in order to accept ESA funds.
When Can Families Apply?
While the program starts next year, families won’t be able to apply until the state finalizes key details. Over the next several months, Texas will release proposed program rules for public comment, issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select certified educational assistance organizations, and begin establishing the process to approve education service providers and vendors.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility is broad. Most school-age children in Texas will be able to apply, and even students already attending private school can qualify for funding. However, there are a few requirements to keep in mind:
- Students must be U.S. citizens
- Students cannot be enrolled in both public school and the voucher program at the same time
- Only accredited private schools that have been in operation for at least two years can participate
- A bill is under consideration to exclude children of statewide elected officials
Learn how Texas plans to allocate voucher funds and prioritize applicants here.
What Should Families Do Now?
Although the program doesn’t officially launch until 2026, families who are interested in private education should start preparing now.
That means:
- Researching private school options
If you’re considering private schools for the 2026-27 school year, now is the time to start looking into your options. - Learning about admissions requirements
Applying to private schools involves several parts, such as interviews, essays, letters of recommendation, and testing, so it’s important to understand everything you’ll need to do. - Getting ready for entrance exams
Entrance exams, such as the ISEE and SSAT, continue to play a role in competitive private school admissions, and strong scores can help students stand out in a competitive pool.That’s why families should be aware of the testing policies at the schools on their list and begin preparing early—well before ESA funds are distributed.
How Test Innovators Can Help
At Test Innovators, we specialize in preparing students for high-stakes admissions exams like the ISEE and SSAT. Our tools are designed to build confidence and boost scores with:
- Realistic, full-length practice tests
- Interactive score reports and progress tracking
- Strategy videos and targeted practice
- Wild Zebra, an AI-powered study buddy, to help students identify and address gaps in their knowledge
We support practice for all levels of the ISEE and SSAT, as well as the SAT, ACT, and HSPT.
Even though the school voucher program is still a year away, now is the perfect time to take the first steps—researching your options, preparing your student, and getting ahead of what’s coming.
