MCCOY: Parents have until March 31 to register their students for the Texas Education Freedom Accoun

Last month, Texas officially joined the 20 or so other states that offer “education savings accounts” in which state tax dollars are offered to qualifying families for use on specific education-related expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring and homeschooling materials.

According to the State Comptroller’s office, the program got off to a record-breaking start. More than 42,000 students applied for Texas’ Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) on the very first day, February 4th – surpassing the one-day national record Tennessee set last year when they received 33,000 applications on their first day.

As of March 16, over 229,000 applications had been submitted across Texas, and 80 percent of those applicants have selected private schools as their desired destination.

 This is a truly tremendous outpouring of interest, and with the application deadline recently extended to March 31 but with Spring Break AND the March 17th application deadline fast approaching, we do not want anyone who wishes to participate in the TEFA program to be left out. Go to https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/ to get more information and submit your application today.

Texas lawmakers have set aside $1 billion to assist qualifying families who wish to enroll their children in private schools – or even home school. Any student who lives in Texas and is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply. Students and families accepted into the TEFA program can receive $10,474, while students with a disability can receive up to $30,000.

Although the program has already launched, applications will not be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. As you might expect, priority for the 2026-2027 school year will be given to students with disabilities and from our most economically disadvantaged households.

The driving rationale behind the TEFA is recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children. This program offers both resources and options to families – giving them the opportunity to choose a learning environment that best reflects their values.

In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, we’ve conducted dozens of meetings with parents and school administrators as we prepare to enter this hopeful new era in Texas education. Excitement is running high, but people naturally have questions too.

Some parents have shared concerns about class sizes increasing due to the Texas Educational Savings Account program. I have reassured them that all our schools are required to follow established accreditation standards, which means class sizes will not exceed the approved limits.

I have also emphasized that our schools will continue to adhere to their existing admissions policies when considering new students. These policies will remain unchanged.

Additionally, as it relates to our Archdiocesan schools, I have assured parents that our Catholic identity will remain strong and central to all that we do.

Catholic schools in our Archdiocese have a long tradition of promoting excellence in academics, encouraging spiritual growth and assisting in the formation of students in mind, heart and spirit. Our Catholic schools prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

TEFA provides an avenue for parents and their children to partner with Catholic schools to continue this tradition in their families. This innovative program will enable our schools to advance the mission of Catholic education by forming disciples of Christ in faith and intellect, reaching many more students who may otherwise have been unable to afford a Catholic education.

 When parents choose a Catholic school, they choose a community where their child is known and cared for by dedicated teachers and staff. Parents choose an environment where their child is challenged to think critically, to problem-solve and to empathize with others, thus forming leaders of tomorrow.

 Again, the TEFA application window is now open through March 31. All parents who want to explore the optimal education options for their children are encouraged to apply.

 Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., is superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.