Texas ESA Program: Application Dates & IEP Requirements for Schools

Texas parents may soon have a new option for funding their children’s education. Senate Bill (SB) 2 has established Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) is preparing to launch the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, with individual accounts referred to as EFAs, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Supporting Students with Disabilities

IEP Information and School District Responsibilities

A November 20, 2025, communication to school administrators details specific obligations for districts supporting families applying for an EFA when a child is suspected of having a disability. School districts are required to upload Individualized Education Program (IEP) information to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to aid in the application process. If a child is not currently enrolled, the school district may need to conduct an evaluation and develop an IEP. This IEP information will then be reported by TEA to the CPA to determine the funding amount for the parent’s EFA.

Did You Know? SB 2 created the framework for ESAs, and the TEFA program is the mechanism for implementing this legislation in Texas.

Program Timeline

The CPA anticipates opening the application window for the TEFA program on February 4, 2026, with an expected closing date of March 17, 2026. These dates are subject to change and can be verified on the CPA’s TEFA website.

Actions for School Systems

TEA requires IEPs – whether for students in public or private schools – to be accessible for reporting to the CPA. The agency will report IEP evidence in several ways. If a child is already identified as a student with a disability and reported through the Texas Student Data System/Public Education Information Management System (TSDS/PEIMS) as of October 31, 2025, TEA already possesses the necessary information.

However, if a child was enrolled but not reported as disabled by the October 2025 snapshot, or if a child was previously enrolled within the last three years, or if a child is newly enrolled in private school after an evaluation, school systems must upload the IEP to the APEX-ESA system.

Expert Insight: The requirement for school districts to actively participate in the EFA application process for students with disabilities underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring these students have access to appropriate educational resources, regardless of school choice.

Data Collection Process

TEA has established the APEX-ESA system within the TEAL application to facilitate IEP uploads. User accounts for APEX-ESA can be requested starting January 22, 2026, and the system is expected to open for data upload on February 2, 2026. Each student entered into the system will require a 10-digit unique ID, along with basic student details and a copy of their IEP.

Key Dates to Remember

January 22, 2026: School systems can request user accounts for APEX-ESA.
February 2, 2026: APEX-ESA system opens for data upload.
February 4, 2026: Expected start of the TEFA program application window.
March 17, 2026: APEX-ESA upload deadline and anticipated end of the application window.

TEA conducted a webinar on January 20, 2026, to discuss the APEX-ESA system and IEP guidance. Updated materials reflecting the latest guidance will be republished with a clear date of revision.

Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TEFA program?

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, established by Senate Bill 2, allows parents to obtain Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for approved education expenses, starting in the 2026–2027 school year.

What is a school district’s role in the EFA application process?

School districts are required to upload IEP information to TEA for families applying for an EFA if their child is suspected of having a disability. This may involve conducting evaluations and developing IEPs for children not currently enrolled.

When will the application window for the TEFA program open?

The CPA expects to open the application window on February 4, 2026, and anticipates it will close on March 17, 2026, though these dates are subject to change.

How might the implementation of the TEFA program affect the landscape of education funding and choice in Texas?