Texas Parents & Texas Education Freedom Accounts: Familiarity and Likelihood of Applying in 2026

The Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center surveyed 900 Texas parents in late October and early November 2025 to assess their awareness of the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program and their likelihood of applying when it opens in 2026. Findings show parents are evenly split in their familiarity with TEFA, with higher-income and White parents reporting greater awareness. After learning about the program, a majority of parents—especially Black and Latino parents—support the Legislature’s decision to create TEFA. Interest in applying is strongest among lower-income families and parents seeking better educational options or schools that meet their children’s needs. Parents satisfied with their current public schools or concerned about tuition costs expressed lower interest in applying. These results offer an early look at how Texas families view the state’s new school choice program. Read the full report