North Texas private school head expresses hope and uncertainty over voucher program

More than 2,100 Texas private schools have opted into the $1 billion TEFA voucher program, and the head of Trinity Christian Academy says his school signed up but would leave if future rules clash with its faith-based mission.

More than 2,100 private schools across Texas have chosen to participate in the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, a $1 billion taxpayer-funded voucher initiative. As of March 1, state records show over 141,000 families had applied and the application deadline is March 17. Families were told to expect notices in early April about whether they will receive funds. Trinity Christian Academy in Willow Park, a pre-K through 12 school of about 500 students, enrolled in the program as soon as applications opened and is monitoring how the program evolves. Key details: - Over 2,100 private schools have opted in to accept TEFA funds. - More than 141,000 Texas families had applied as of March 1, and the application deadline is March 17. - The Texas Comptroller's Office said families should begin hearing back in early April about voucher awards. - Trinity Christian Academy, with roughly 500 students, signed up for TEFA and reports increased interest during enrollment season. - The school's head said they will comply with required reporting of selected test scores to the state but would exit the program if government rules conflict with the school's admission policies or faith-based mission. Summary: The voucher program has broad initial participation by schools and many family applications, which introduces timing challenges for private school admissions this spring. Families will learn award decisions in early April, and schools like Trinity Christian Academy say they will watch for any rule changes that could affect participation.