Making Catholic Education more affordable

While students are still enjoying their summer break, parents are already thinking about the next school year. Besides getting the necessary supplies, there is always the question: Should we send our children to a Catholic School? Can we afford it?
 
The Texas legislators approved a bill about Education Savings Accounts, which will become law on September 1 and enable parents to receive money “to provide additional educational options to assist Texas families in exercising the right to direct the educational needs of their children.”
 
An Education Savings Account (ESA) offers parents of students in non-public schools in Texas a publicly funded savings account. The program is managed through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Up to $10,000 is available per student, and for a child with a disability, the amount can be up to $50,000. Home-schooled participants can receive up to $2,000 annually. Parents can use these funds for expenses such as school tuition, meals, uniforms, tutoring, and therapies for students with special needs.
 
Parents can enroll in January 2026 and receive funding for the school year 2026/27. Other states have had these ESAs for several years, greatly benefiting students in Catholic Schools. To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident. The law prioritizes children from low-income families and children with special learning needs.
 
If a student is approved, their siblings who have also applied will be approved. Once a student receives an ESA, the account will stay active as long as the financial situation remains unchanged. Priority access is given first to students with a disability (whose family income is at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines), second to children whose family income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), and then to children with a family income between 200% and 500% of the FPG.
 
Contact your local Catholic school or email [email protected] for more information.