Texas School Voucher Program Expected to Launch in February, Report States

AUSTIN, TX — Texas families will be able to begin applying for the state’s long-anticipated school voucher program in February 2026, according to newly obtained state documents reviewed by the Houston Chronicle.

The rollout plan outlines that applications for the “Texas Education Freedom Accounts” will open Feb. 4 and close March 20. Award decisions are set for May 1, with funds becoming available in families’ digital wallets by July 1.

The program, projected to serve about 100,000 students, will prioritize low-income families. Eligible families could receive up to $10,500 for private-school tuition, $30,000 for children with special needs, or $2,000 for homeschool expenses for the 2026-27 school year.

The documents indicate the voucher system will be administered by Odyssey, a New York-based education technology company awarded a $26 million contract last week. The agreement runs two years with an option for renewal and allows Odyssey to begin accepting private-school and vendor applications by Dec. 2.

Lawmakers budgeted up to 5 percent of the program’s total cost for a technology vendor — as much as $50 million over the first two years. The contract includes penalties if Odyssey fails to maintain online systems or process payments efficiently.

Odyssey, which also operates voucher programs in Louisiana, Georgia, Utah, and Iowa, was selected from 11 bidders. The company will partner with three subcontractors — Austin-based Steel Digital Studios, communications firm Vianovo, and nonprofit Outreachschool.org — for outreach and marketing beginning Oct. 31.

The timeline may pose challenges for parents, as most private schools in Texas require applications by early 2026, before voucher eligibility decisions are finalized.