School voucher application record

SMITH COUNTY – The State of Texas’ new school voucher program has broken a national record for first day applicants. At least 46,000 families have applied since the portal opened on Wednesday, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office and our news partner KETK.

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program was approved during the 89th Texas Legislative session. The school choice program gives selected students $10,000 per year towards private school enrollment and children with learning disabilities can get $30,000. While many are excited for the new faces that could be joining their campus, some worry about a potential decline in enrollment at public schools. There are also concerns voucher money could be going to families who don’t need it.

According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, about a third of applicants come from households making less than $66,000 a year and eight out of every ten overall said they intend to go to a private school next year.

Many are worried the money still won’t cover extensive tuition cost but most private schools offer help.

Data on how many students have applied for each school will not be available until selection is over. Families can apply for the school voucher system through march 17 at education-freedom dot gov.