AUSTIN \u2013 Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that a record number of students have applied for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) since applications opened on Wednesday. <\/p>\n
The first day of the program\u2019s launch saw more than 42,000 submitted applications, surpassing the standing record of Tennessee\u2019s application for 33,000 students last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cTexas families made history yesterday,\u201d Hancock said. \u201cThis record-breaking response shows a powerful groundswell across our state of parents who are excited about the freedom to choose the best possible education for their child, and we\u2019re proud to deliver a program that puts students first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of the students who applied on Wednesday, around 80.3% indicated they would be choosing a participating private school next year, while the other 19.7% said they plan to choose another option, such as homeschooling.<\/p>\n
Here are more TEFA statistics based on verified information from received applications, according to Hancock:<\/p>\n
34% have household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level ($66,000 for a family of four)<\/p>\n
38% have household incomes between 200% to 500% of the federal poverty level ($165,000 for a family of four)<\/p>\n
Nearly three out of four students are expected to be placed in one of the top three poverty groups, as established by Senate Bill 2:<\/p>\n
10% have been placed in the top priority tier for students with disabilities and household incomes below 500% of the federal poverty level<\/p>\n
29% have been placed in the second priority tier for students with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level<\/p>\n
33% have been placed in the third priority tier for students with household incomes between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty level<\/p>\n
As of Thursday, at 11 a.m., the number of applications had increased to more than 46,000.<\/p>\n
The number of students applying is expected to increase, with the program open for enrollment through March 17 at 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n
As a note, applications are not on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n