Who is eligible for the Texas ESA program?

Every child in Texas who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and can attend a Texas public school is eligible to apply for the ESA program. This includes grades Pre-K through 12th grade.

How much funding can my child receive from the Texas ESA program?

Funding amounts vary: $10,000 per year for students in accredited private schools, up to $30,000 per year for students with disabilities, and $2,000 per year for students not in accredited private schools.

When does the Texas ESA program start?

The Texas ESA program begins in the 2026-2027 school year. Applications will likely open in January 2026.

What expenses are covered by the Texas ESA?

ESA funds can be used for private school tuition, online education programs, tutoring, instructional materials, technology, transportation costs, and other approved educational expenses.

TxSchoolVoucher.com - Texas ESA Program Eligibility Calculator

Quick Eligibility Check

Child is 3-21 years old

U.S. citizen or lawfully present

Eligible to attend Texas public schools

Not enrolled in traditional public or charter schools

Universal Eligibility: What Makes Texas ESA Different

Unlike many other state school voucher programs that have strict income limits, the Texas Education Savings Account program features universal eligibility. This means that families at all income levels can apply, making it one of the most inclusive school choice programs in the United States.

Age Requirements: Who Can Apply

Eligible Age Ranges

Pre-K (Ages 3-4)

Must meet at least one prekindergarten eligibility criterion

K-12 (Ages 5-18)

All students in traditional school age ranges

Extended Eligibility (Ages 19-21)

Students with disabilities who haven't graduated high school

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

Citizenship Status

Students must be either:

U.S. citizens
Lawfully present in the United States

Texas Residency

Students must be eligible to attend Texas public schools, which generally means:

Living in Texas with a parent or legal guardian
Meeting standard public school enrollment requirements

Educational Setting Requirements

To be eligible for ESA funds, students must not be enrolled in traditional public schools or charter schools. However, there are several educational settings that qualify:

✅ Qualifying Settings

• Private schools
• Homeschooling
• Online education programs
• Private tutoring arrangements
• Educational therapy services

❌ Non-Qualifying Settings

• Traditional public schools
• Charter schools
• Public magnet schools
• Public virtual schools

Special Provisions and Considerations

Pre-K Eligibility Criteria

Children ages 3-4 must meet at least one of these prekindergarten eligibility requirements:

•Economically disadvantaged (eligible for free or reduced-price meals)
•Has a parent who is a member of the armed forces
•Is homeless
•Is in foster care
•Has a disability or developmental delay
•Is the child of a teenage parent

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities have additional considerations and may be eligible for higher funding amounts:

Eligible for up to $30,000 per year (highest funding level)

Extended eligibility through age 21 if not graduated

Priority consideration in selection process

Documentation Requirements

While specific documentation requirements will be detailed when applications open, families should prepare:

Required Documents Checklist

Child's birth certificate

Proof of Texas residency

Citizenship documentation

Educational records

Special needs documentation (if applicable)

Parent/guardian identification

Next Steps: Check Your Eligibility

Think your family might qualify? Use our eligibility calculator to get an instant assessment based on current program requirements. This free tool helps you understand your likelihood of approval and potential funding amount.

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

Get an instant eligibility assessment and funding estimate for your family.

Texas ESA Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify for Education Savings Accounts?