As a basketball game wrapped up on Feb. 12 at St. Pius X Catholic School in Corpus Christi, several families stayed behind—not for athletics, but for academics. Instead of heading home, parents gathered inside the campus library to apply for the Texas Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, a new state initiative designed to help cover private school tuition and related educational expenses.
With laptops open and staff assisting, the school hosted an “application night” to guide families through the online process step by step. The event reflects a broader statewide trend: a surge in applications as families explore alternatives to traditional public education.
What Is the Texas Education Freedom Account?
The Texas Education Freedom Account program is a state-funded education savings account initiative that supports families who choose private or homeschool education. Approved students may receive funding to cover private school tuition, uniforms, books, and other required supplies.
Applications opened Feb. 4. Within two weeks, nearly 101,800 students had applied statewide. According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, 80% of applicants as of Feb. 15 expressed interest in private school enrollment. With the March 17 deadline approaching, officials expect that number to climb significantly.
Increased Interest in Corpus Christi Catholic Schools
Since the announcement of the Texas Education Freedom Account, St. Pius X Catholic School has seen a noticeable rise in campus tours and inquiries. Principal Beth Hinojosa said families are actively researching their options.
For parent Alyssa Lutz, the decision to enroll her children in Catholic school came after careful evaluation. Although she attended public school growing up, her husband is a St. Pius alumnus. Initially skeptical, she wanted assurance that academic standards would meet her expectations.
After touring the school and reviewing its curriculum, Lutz felt confident in its academic rigor and community atmosphere. Three of her children now attend the school.
However, tuition remains a financial commitment. While the family receives partial assistance, acceptance into the Texas Education Freedom Account program would significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
Hinojosa noted that approximately 70–75% of students at St. Pius X already receive some form of tuition support. She emphasized that many families make financial sacrifices to provide their children with faith-based education.
How Funding Priorities Work
The state has allocated $1 billion to fund the Texas Education Freedom Account program. However, demand may exceed available resources, prompting a tiered prioritization system.
First Priority: Students With Disabilities
Students with qualifying disabilities receive top priority, provided their household income is at or below 500% of the federal poverty level. For reference, that threshold equals:
- $108,200 for a family of two
- $165,000 for a family of four
As of mid-February, 10% of applicants qualified under this disability-based category.
To access enhanced funding for disabilities, students must have a Texas Individualized Education Program (IEP). These plans are typically issued by public school districts.
Second Priority: Lower-Income Households
Families earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level come next in line:
- $43,280 for a two-person household
- $66,000 for a four-person household
About 29% of applicants fall into this income bracket.
Third Priority: Moderate-Income Households
Families earning between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty level represent approximately 32% of applicants.
Nearly 30% of applicants come from households earning more than 500% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, 5% of total applicants were enrolled in public school last year and fall into the highest income tier.
Public School Impact and IEP Demand
The program’s ripple effects extend to public school districts. Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) has reported an increase in IEP evaluation requests from private school families seeking eligibility for enhanced funding.
During a Feb. 16 school board meeting, Deputy Superintendent Sandra Clement indicated that the district—already working to meet mandated evaluation timelines—has experienced additional demand due to the program.
This shift illustrates how the Texas Education Freedom Account is influencing both private and public education systems.
Faith-Based Schools Lead Participation
In the Coastal Bend region, most participating schools are Christian institutions, including several Catholic schools under the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
At Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School administrators have also hosted application assistance nights. Principal Lilly Samaniego said she has heard from families who previously left private school due to cost but are now reconsidering enrollment.
The school currently serves about 70 students from pre-K through sixth grade. Enrollment once reached 170 students before declining due to expanded free pre-K programs at CCISD, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hurricane Harvey damage. Recently rebuilt facilities have positioned the school for potential growth.
Families Cite Faith and Stability
For many families, faith-based instruction remains a primary reason for choosing private education.
Parents like Ruby Carrillo say the school’s values and culture align closely with their family priorities. Others, including staff members who are also parents, note that tuition and additional services such as speech therapy can quickly add up.
The Texas Education Freedom Account represents financial relief for families who already budget carefully to keep their children enrolled in private schools.
Accountability and School Autonomy
While the state requires participating private schools to be accredited, the standards and instructional models vary from institution to institution. Moreover, private schools are not required to accept students who receive EFA funding.
Unlike public districts, private schools are not subject to the same state accountability reporting requirements. As a result, families must conduct independent research to evaluate curriculum quality, academic performance, and campus culture.
As the March 17 deadline approaches, the Texas Education Freedom Account continues to reshape educational decision-making in Corpus Christi and across the state. Whether the allocated $1 billion will meet demand remains uncertain, but one outcome is clear: interest in private education is growing rapidly.