Texas introduces school choice program with Senate Bill 2 signing

Tomorrow, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law, introducing the state’s first school choice program. The bill, now a law, establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program with a $1 billion investment. Families in Texas can receive up to $11,000 per student for private school tuition and other approved education expenses, while students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000. Homeschooling families are eligible for $2,000. Initially serving 90,000 students, the program is designed to expand with increasing applications.

Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, commented, “Texas has long been one of the largest holdouts on educational freedom, offering no school choice programs—until now. With the passage of SB 2, that changes. Texas is now part of the growing list of states ensuring families can educate their children in the learning environment that meets their needs." He added, "This is a monumental step forward for parental empowerment and student opportunity—not just for Texas, but for the nation.”

All K–12 Texas students are eligible, with priority given to students with disabilities and those from low- and middle-income families if demand surpasses the initial budget. The program aims to fully fund every student on the waitlist in the following cycle.

The introduction of the Texas ESA program follows a nationwide increase in school choice programs, with 76 private school choice programs across 35 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 18 states offer choice programs to all students, including 21 ESA programs in 18 states. "For years, Texas stood out as one of the few states without a single school choice program—but that era is over," Enlow continued. "With SB 2, Texas has taken a bold step to put families first and fund students, not systems."

Enlow also stated, "This is a victory for every parent who has waited for the freedom to choose the right education for their child. EdChoice is proud to have played a role in making this moment possible—and we won’t stop until all students enjoy all options and benefit from all available dollars.”

To speak with Robert Enlow or an EdChoice scholar about the Texas program, educational choice trends, legislation, or existing programs nationwide, contact Chantal Fennell at [email protected] or 989-251-8388.

EdChoice, a nonprofit organization, aims to enable families to choose learning environments that best fit their children’s needs. More information is available at edchoice.org.

Chantal Fennell, the contact for inquiries, has a background in journalism in California and has received awards for investigative and economic reporting, as well as features writing. She authored an exposé that led to the creation of a curriculum for high school students with high-functioning autism.