AFC Celebrates with Families Receiving Texas Education Freedom Account Notifications

DALLAS, Texas — The American Federation for Children (AFC) celebrates with Texas families as Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) award notifications begin. This exciting moment comes roughly one year after Governor Abbott signed the life-changing bill.

Texans submitted more than 274,000 applications for the new school choice program, the largest launch in history. The first wave of award notifications is for students in priority tier 1, comprising students with documented special needs and their siblings.

This is a powerful example of school choice programs serving students with the greatest need first. If funding remains, students from lower-income families will be prioritized in tier 2.

Among the 42,644 priority tier 1 applications, 53% had attended public school in the past. Within this same group, 63% of applications were for students with disabilities, and the remainder were those students’ siblings. More than half of these applicants were from households earning less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level.

TEFA funds can be used for education-related expenses for K-12 students, such as tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, and therapies. TEFA notifications from the Texas Comptroller’s office will continue through this week and next.

AFC congratulates Acting Comptroller Hancock and administration partner Odyssey and celebrates with parents across Texas who can finally access educational options. We look forward to this opportunity being available for every family who desires it.

Statement from Nathan Cunneen, Texas State Director, American Federation for Children:

“Texans spoke, and their elected leaders listened. Parents want more choices and more control over their children’s education, and that is exactly what TEFA delivers. The demand for school choice is undeniable, and it will only grow as more parents are empowered to choose the school that is the best fit for their children. We celebrate with the families who received TEFA this year and we will continue to work to expand school choice until every Texas family can exercise the education freedom they deserve.”

About American Federation for Children:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and a leading force in advancing education freedom. AFC has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide, empowering families with meaningful options and elevating parent voices in education policy. The organization’s affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is focused on electing education reform champions at state and federal levels.