Story perspectives

Texas Education Freedom Accounts Surge with 240,000 Applications

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) saw over 240,000 applications submitted before deadline, backed by a $1 billion investment to serve 90,000 students.
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, described the program as victory for Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans.
The development signals a shift from union dominance in Texas education.
Houston Independent School District plans to close 12 schools due to declining enrollment amid charter-school competition.

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Story summary

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) saw over 240,000 applications submitted before deadline, backed by a $1 billion investment to serve 90,000 students.
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, described the program as victory for Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans.
The development signals a shift from union dominance in Texas education.
Houston Independent School District plans to close 12 schools due to declining enrollment amid charter-school competition.