Introduction to School Choice
📘 What It Is, What It Covers, and Why It Matters to You
Choosing a school for your child can feel overwhelming—especially when policies keep changing and information feels out of reach. The Texas School Choice Bill (also known as Senate Bill 2) introduced a new way for families to access educational resources outside of traditional public schools, and it’s already reshaping how Texans think about education.
But here’s the truth: school choice isn’t just about private schools. It’s about understanding all the options available to your family, what you qualify for, and how to use support programs—like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—to help your child thrive.
Let’s break it down.
🧾 What Is the Texas School Choice Bill?
The Texas School Choice Bill, 2025 Senate Bill 2 (SB2), created a new program called the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). This program gives eligible families public funds to use toward approved educational expenses—not just private school tuition.
If your child qualifies, you could receive:
Up to $30,000 per year for students with disabilities (this includes special needs students and students with an individualized education
program (IEP))
Up to $10,000 per year for private school students
Up to $2,000 per year for alternative choice options (homeschool, enrichment programs, tutoring, etc.)
What Can You Use ESA Funds For?
This money can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses, including:
Career & technical education
Private school tuition & fees
Homeschooling curriculum and materials
Dual credit college courses
Online educational programs
Educational therapies (speech, reading, behavioral, etc.)
Textbooks, school uniforms, laptops
Tutoring or academic support services
Transportation to and from school
And more
The goal? To give families more freedom and flexibility to shape an education plan that fits their child's needs—not just their zip code.
🧑💻 Who Qualifies for ESA Funds?
To be eligible, the parent must provide proof that the child:
Is a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully admitted into the United States.
Is eligible to attend a public school or open-enrollment charter school or be eligible to enroll in a public or open-enrollment charter school’s pre-K or kindergarten program.
Resides in the state of Texas.
Your household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
You’re part of a priority group, such as:
Students with disabilities
Children in foster care
Students from military families
Students attending Title I (low-income) schools
Students experiencing homelessness
ℹ️ Important Note: You can see the complete Parent Application Checklist here.
If accepted into the program, the child will remain eligible to participate until the child graduates from high school, is no longer eligible to attend a Texas public school, charter school, or pre-K or kindergarten program, enrolls in a Texas public or charter school, or moves out of the state of Texas.
🧭 Your Path Forward: Based on Your Situation
We believe every family deserves a clear path to great education. Depending on your situation, here’s what school choice could look like:
✅ If You Qualify for an ESA
You can use your funds to explore:
Private schools that fit your child’s learning style or values
Homeschooling with paid curriculum and online resources
Specialized therapies or tutoring your child needs to succeed
Transportation to a school outside your neighborhood
Read our guide: “How to Use Your Voucher”
❌ If You Don’t Qualify
You still have options:
Apply to tuition-free public charter schools
Look into magnet schools with specialized learning models
Enroll in a free online public school
Consider homeschooling with free curriculum
Join microlearning pods or after-school enrichment programs
Read our blog: “Didn’t Get a Voucher? Here Are Your Options”
🧭 Stay Informed with These Trusted Sources
📰 News & Bill Tracking
Texas Education Freedom Accounts - The official website for the most up to date information on Texas Education Freedom Accounts
Texas Tribune – Easy-to-read news on Texas politics and education
Texas Legislature Online – Track the bill's progress and read the full text
🧠 Advocacy & Research
Raise Your Hand Texas – Advocates for strong public schools
Texas Public Policy Foundation – Supports school choice legislation
IDRA – Research focused on equity for Latino and underserved students
Children at Risk – Research-based advocacy on child well-being and school quality
👨👩👧 Community Groups & Forums
Facebook: Search “Texas school choice parent group” to connect with others
Reddit: Visit r/TexasEducation for real parent questions and answers
What’s Next? Let’s Make It Clear.
No matter your opinion, this bill is going to change education in Texas. That’s why TexEd is here—to help you:
Understand what’s happening
Know your options
Get the support you need
Use your voice in a way that matters
