private school

The demographic breakdown of applicants shows Texas’ voucher program will likely not reflect the diversity of Texas public school students.

A day after U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett ordered an extension of the application deadline for families, and required the plaintiff schools be given the chance to apply, the schools' applications were accepted by the Texas comptroller’s office.

Applications will close March 17, with funding notifications sent to families beginning in early April. The rollout follows a years-long battle at the Capitol and marks a major victory for the governor after repeated failed attempts to pass similar legislation.

Applications for Texas Education Freedom Accounts can be submitted starting Feb. 4. The initiative reshapes how families can use public education dollars and sparks debate over equity, oversight and cost.

The mother is suing the teacher who allegedly groomed her daughter, as well as the private school and principal she says "failed" their students. A second minor was also added to the suit.

Parents say Trinity Valley hid years of abuse by a former teacher — and silenced those who tried to speak up. Now, they’re taking the school to court.

Families participating in the program could receive about 85% of the amount public schools collect for each attending student from the state and local sources.

The Legislature doesn’t reconvene for another five months, but the battle over creating a school voucher-like program in the state is already well underway. A Texas House committee meeting on Monday may provide a preview of what to expect in the battle ahead.

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has been one of the staunchest voucher supporters, arguing it would increase access to religious education regardless of income level.

The governor promised political consequences if lawmakers cannot pass legislation allowing for publicly subsidized school vouchers before March primaries.

A bill to give Texas families public funds to avoid integrated schools almost became law in 1957.

Gov. Greg Abbott and other conservatives say families need options to escape “woke” education in public schools. East Texas parents and school leaders say the national talking points are off base.