School vouchers applications deadline extended through end of March following court order

TEXAS (KETK) — The window to apply for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program has been extended to March 31, after a federal court order was issued on Tuesday ahead of the initial deadline.

Parents may submit new applications before the extended deadline and previously submitted applications may be updated.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on Tuesday that the school choice initiative surpassed 200,000 applications, with more than 2,200 schools signed up to participate.

“Crossing the 200,000-student mark shows just how strongly Texas families are responding to the opportunity for more educational freedom,” Hancock said.

The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025, allows families to apply for educational funding, such as private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational services.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will now close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Families accepted into the program will have until July 15 to select a school for their children, as additional schools register on a rolling basis.

“Our team has worked to stand up a program that is transparent, accountable and focused on student success,” Hancock said. “As we head into the final hours before the deadline, I encourage any family still considering TEFA to take a few minutes to complete an application. This program gives parents more tools to support their child’s future, and we want every eligible student to have the chance to benefit.”