Over 85,000 Texas families enroll in private school voucher program its first year

A state report shows more than 85,000 households have joined Texas’ new private-school voucher system, with most participants being white and low-income families.

According to a report from the Texas comptroller’s office, 85,344 families have taken up vouchers in the program’s first year, with a further 121,000 students on a waitlist. The majority of participants are white and come from low-income backgrounds, and enrollment is concentrated in the Houston, Dallas and Northside areas of San Antonio. The $1 billion voucher scheme, created by Senate Bill 2, is intended to support children with disabilities, pre-K learners and families looking to leave underperforming public schools.

Comptroller Don Huffines emphasized his commitment to expanding the program, while Democrat state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt criticized it as a “billion-dollar handout” to private schools in big cities. Funding varies by need, with children with disabilities eligible for up to $30,000 per year, though fewer than 30 have received the maximum amount so far. Final enrollment figures are expected to be refined by early September as waitlisted families respond.