📌 School Choice in Texas: The Big Picture

Texas families have access to a range of education options—including:

• Traditional public schools

• Public charter schools

• Magnet schools

• Private schools

• Homeschooling

• Online public schools

• Microlearning communities

Thanks to school choice policies, many families can enroll their child in a school outside their assigned district, apply to tuition-free public charter or magnet schools, or receive support for homeschooling and online learning.

📊 A Snapshot of Texas Education (2023–2024)

According to the Texas Education Agency and other state organizations:

• 5.5 million students were enrolled in traditional public schools

• 422,930 students attended public charter schools

• Approximately 290,000 students attended private schools

• Public school enrollment grew 7.4% over the past 10 years

So while most Texas families still use public schools, more and more are exploring other options to find the best educational fit for their kids.

🔎 A Closer Look at Your Options

1. 🏫 Traditional Public Schools (ISDs)

Texas public schools are free and open to all students. Each neighborhood is assigned a school, but thanks to open enrollment, many districts allow families to request transfers to schools outside their assigned zones—if space allows.

✅ Real examples:

• STEM Academies in Dallas ISD

• Dual Language Programs in Austin ISD

• Career and Technical Education programs preparing students for high-demand jobs

2. 🏫 Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently of traditional school districts. They often have a unique mission or curriculum—and may focus on college readiness, STEM, arts, or social-emotional learning.

✅ Real examples:

• Harmony Public Schools – project-based STEM learning

• IDEA Public Schools – college-prep model

• KIPP Texas – focus on character development and academic rigor

• Great Hearts Texas – classical education model

👉 Search for charter schools here: Texas Charter School Directory (select “Charter” under “District Type”)

3. 🎭 Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that specialize in a certain subject or theme, such as science, engineering, medical studies, or the arts. Some are affiliated with universities and offer college-level experiences to high schoolers.

✅ Real examples:

• Baylor College of Medicine Academy in Houston

• Arts magnet programs in Dallas ISD

• STEM magnet schools across the state

👉 Learn more at: MySchoolChoice.com

4. 🏡 Homeschooling

Homeschooling gives parents full control over their child’s education. You pick the curriculum, design the schedule, and guide the learning.

It’s legal in Texas and doesn’t require state approval, but you must teach specific subjects like reading, math, and spelling.

✅ Tools to get started:

• Discovery K12 – free homeschool curriculum

• Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) – legal support, curriculum options, and co-op directories

5. 💻 Online Public Schools

Online public schools are free and follow state curriculum standards—but everything is done virtually. Teachers, assignments, and grading are provided by the school, not the parent.

This is a great option for students who need flexibility or learn better from home, but still want licensed educators and structured lessons.

✅ Examples:

• Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

• Texas Connections Academy

• Texas Tech K-12

👉 You can explore more options at THSC.org

6. 🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Microlearning Communities

Microlearning is a newer, creative way to educate. It usually involves small pods of students learning together, sometimes in homes, libraries, or co-working spaces, with support from a parent or teacher.

Some families use it part-time—pairing it with public school, homeschool, or online programs.

👉 Learn more about microlearning at: MySchoolChoice.com (search “microlearning”)

🏫 Other School Types to Know

While this guide focused on the most common school models, there are others worth knowing:

• Private Schools – Funded by tuition or donations; can offer religious instruction, small classes, or specialized programs.

• University-Model Schools – Hybrid of home and classroom learning, usually faith-based or college-prep.

• Montessori & Waldorf Schools – Focus on hands-on, developmental learning.

• Alternative Schools – Serve students needing behavioral or emotional support or a non-traditional approach.

👉 Curious about private or alternative schools in your area? Use the TEPSAC School Finder

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be an expert to make an informed decision.
You just need honest, accessible information—and that’s what we’re here for.

⚖️ The Debate: Pros and Cons of School Choice

School choice is a hot topic in Texas right now, but if you're like many people, you may not fully understand what it means or how it might affect your family or community. This article breaks down the basic arguments for and against school choice, so you can feel more informed—whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who cares about your neighborhood schools.

🟢 What Supporters Say

People who support school choice believe parents should have more control over where their kids go to school—not just the public school assigned to their zip code.

Here’s what they argue:

• More Options for Families: Instead of being limited to your neighborhood public school, you could use state funds (around $10,000 per child) to help pay for a private school, homeschool, or online program.

• Access to Better-Fit Schools: Some families want schools with smaller class sizes, different teaching styles, or specialized programs (like STEM, arts, or religious education) that public schools may not offer.

• Pressure on Public Schools to Improve: Supporters say if public schools know students can leave, they'll work harder to meet families' needs in order to keep them enrolled.

🔴 What Critics Say

Others are deeply concerned that this bill could make things worse for public schools—and for the students and families who rely on them.

Here’s what they’re worried about:

• Less Money for Public Schools: In Texas, schools get money from the state based on how many students attend. So if kids leave to attend private schools, their funding leaves with them. This can lead to teacher layoffs, bigger class sizes, and cuts to programs—especially in schools that are already underfunded.

• Private Schools Can Say No: Unlike public schools, private schools don't have to accept every student. They can turn students away based on test scores, disabilities, behavior, or other factors. That means some families may get the funding but still be left out.

• Hidden Costs Still Add Up: The $10,000 may not cover everything. Private schools often charge more in tuition, and families may still have to pay for things like transportation, uniforms, enrollment fees, and school supplies. Low-income families might still not be able to afford to leave public school.

• Lack of Oversight: Public schools follow strict rules and are held accountable by the state. Some critics worry that private and homeschool programs won’t be held to the same standards, and students might not get the education they deserve.

🔍 What This Means for Your Community

This debate isn’t just about personal choice—it affects everyone in the community, even if you don’t have school-aged kids.

Here’s how:

• Public Schools Lose Resources: When students leave, schools lose money. Fewer students means fewer dollars, which means fewer teachers, fewer counselors, and fewer programs like music, sports, or special education.

• Neighborhood Impact: Public schools are more than just classrooms—they're community hubs. If they shrink or close, that affects local jobs, property values, and neighborhood stability.

• Taxpayer Dollars Shift: The money that would’ve gone to support your local public school could now be spent on private and religious schools, even though these schools don’t follow the same rules as public ones.

💬 Why Staying Informed Matters

Whether you're for or against school choice, it’s important to understand how this bill works and how it might affect your child, your neighborhood, and your tax dollars.

You don’t have to be an expert in policy to care about what’s happening.

Start by asking questions. Learn how school funding works. Talk to your neighbors. Reach out to your school board or local representatives. And most importantly—use your voice. The future of education in Texas is being shaped right now.

🤷What If You Don’t Get a Voucher?

Free and Low-Cost School Options for Texas Families

Let’s be honest—not every family will get a voucher. There are limited spots, unclear rules, and high demand.

But even without a voucher, you still have options. Below is a list of free or low-cost school alternatives to help you find the best learning environment for your child—based on your needs, values, and goals.

🏫 1. Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently from traditional school districts. That means they may have different teaching styles, academic focuses, or school models—but they’re still open to the public.

They’re often founded by educators, parents, or community groups.
Every charter school has its own mission—some may focus on college prep, dual language learning, or career and technical education.

👉 Explore Texas charter schools here: Texas Charter School Directory (select “Charter” under “District Type”)

🎭 2. Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that focus on a specific theme or subject—like medical science, engineering, the arts, or STEM. Some are affiliated with colleges and universities (like Baylor College of Medicine), and many offer a more focused learning experience based on your child’s interests.

These schools usually require an application and may have academic or interest-based criteria.

👉 Learn more and find magnet schools at: MySchoolChoice.com

🏡 3. Homeschooling

Homeschooling means that you, the parent, are in charge of your child’s education. You create the schedule, pick the curriculum, and guide the learning.

There are free homeschool curriculums available, like Discovery K12, and a growing number of support groups and co-ops across Texas.

✳️ Good to Know: In Texas, homeschooling is legal and doesn’t require state approval—but you must follow a few guidelines.

👉 Find everything you need to get started at: Texas Home School Coalition (THSC)

💻 4. Online Public Schools

Online public schools are free and run by the state, just like regular public schools—except everything is done virtually. These schools are not the same as homeschooling because the school provides the teachers, curriculum, and grading.

This is a great option if your child needs a flexible schedule or prefers online learning, but you still want support from licensed teachers.

Popular options include:

• Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe (LSOA)

• Texas Connections Academy

• Texas Tech K-12 Public School Program

👉 You can also explore more virtual school options on THSC.org

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 5. Microlearning Communities

Microlearning is a newer, creative way to educate. It involves small groups of students learning together with adult supervision—often in flexible spaces like homes, libraries, or community centers.

Some families use microlearning as a hybrid approach:
→ Their child attends public school part-time and joins a homeschool-style pod for the rest of the week.

It can look very different depending on your community. What matters is that it’s personalized, social, and community-driven.

👉 Learn more about microlearning at: MySchoolChoice.com (search “microlearning”)

💡 Final Thoughts

Even if a voucher isn’t in the cards, you still have the power to choose.
Texas offers more school options than most families realize—and we’re here to help you explore every one of them.

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 created a new program called the Education Savings Account (ESA). 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 $10,000 per year for private school students

• Up to $2,000 per year for homeschoolers

What Can You Use ESA Funds For?

This money can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses, including:

• 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

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?

Eligibility for the ESA program is still being finalized, but here’s what we know so far:

You may qualify if:

• Your child is currently enrolled in a Texas public school, or is entering kindergarten

• 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: Final details may change. Always check with the Texas Education Agency or the Comptroller’s Office for up-to-date info.

🧭 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 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