Texas Unveils Private School Voucher Program Rules for 2026-27

Texas has officially established the regulations for its private school voucher program, as confirmed by the state’s chief financial officer, Kelly Hancock. The newly finalized guidelines not only clarify funding for pre-kindergarten students but also outline important application timelines. According to reports, existing participants in the initiative aimed at students with disabilities can begin applying on December 9, while new applicants will have the chance to apply shortly thereafter.

The application period for families is set to open on February 4 and will remain accessible until mid-March. This schedule is part of an agreement between the Texas financial chief and Odyssey, the firm designated to manage the program. Following a public hearing and the review of over 200 written testimonies, the state decided against implementing additional reporting requirements for the initiative.

According to Click2Houston, under the established rules, most families will receive approximately $10,300 annually for each student. Notably, the comptroller’s office confirmed that pre-K students who meet the requirements for the state’s free public pre-K program will now qualify for the full amount, a significant increase from the previously stated $2,000 for homeschoolers.

For the voucher program, verification of a child’s disability can be established through a Social Security determination letter or a physician’s note, diverging from the educational evaluations typically required in public schools. This adjustment aims to simplify the application process for families.

The comptroller’s office also stated that if the number of applications surpasses available funding, priority will be given to students with disabilities from lower-income backgrounds. It is crucial to note that admission to participating schools is not guaranteed, as each institution retains the right to select students based on its own criteria.

The finalized rules do not introduce certain reporting requirements, such as monitoring graduation rates or postsecondary outcomes for voucher students. While state law mandates the collection and public release of specific data regarding the voucher program, including the number of applications and participant satisfaction, the comptroller’s office will adhere strictly to these legal obligations without additional reporting.

With these regulations now in place, the framework for Texas’ school voucher program is solidified ahead of its inaugural year of implementation during the 2026-27 school year. This initiative represents a significant shift in educational funding, aiming to provide parents with more options for their children’s education.