Opportunity for Westview Families | Texas Education Savings Accounts

Opportunity for Westview Families: Texas Education Savings Accounts

A NEW OPTION FOR FAMILIES AT THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL

Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, Texas families will have a new way to help pay for private and specialized education. The Education Savings Account (ESA) program, created through Senate Bill 2 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2025, sets aside $1 billion in public funds to support school choice across the state.

WHAT ARE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS?

ESAs provide eligible families with access to state-managed accounts that can be used for education expenses outside the public school system. That includes tuition at private schools and other specialized programs such as The Westview School.

Westview is closely following how the program is being rolled out and will keep Westview families informed as more details become available. Our team will be here to help with updates, questions, and guidance on the application process.

HOW MUCH CAN FAMILIES RECEIVE?

Depending on eligibility, families may receive: 

• $2,000 per child for homeschooling or non-accredited private education 

• $10,000 per child enrolled in accredited private schools 

• $11,500 to $30,000 annually for children with disabilities, based on individual evaluations 

Unused funds roll over from year to year as long as the student remains eligible.

“We’re excited about what this could mean for families,” says Bevan Koch. “At the same time, our mission remains the same: welcoming students who are the right fit and supporting them in a nurturing environment where they can thrive.”

WHAT CAN ESA FUNDS BE USED FOR?

ESA funds can be applied to a broad range of approved educational expenses, including:

• School tuition and fees

• Uniforms and meals

• Textbooks and instructional materials

• Therapies and interventions for special needs

• Online courses or tutoring

• Transportation and testing services

WHO QUALIFIES?

To participate, students must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident; eligible to attend a public school in Texas; and fall into one of the following priority groups:

ESA PRIORITY GROUPS:

• Students with disabilities from families at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

• Children from households at or below 200% of the FPG

• Children from households between 200%–500% of the FPG

• All other eligible applicants (with students transferring from public school prioritized over those already in private school)

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR WESTVIEW FAMILIES

The ESA program could be a big help for many Westview families. With funding amounts ranging from $11,500 to $30,000 per student, the program has the potential to alleviate the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. For families already navigating the costs of specialized education, this kind of support could make a real difference.

As awareness of the ESA program increases, we may see a growing interest in our school. That said, our admissions process isn’t changing. Westview will continue to focus on what matters most: making sure every student we accept is a strong fit for our program and that we can fully support their needs. Our mission remains the same, creating a supportive, developmentally appropriate space for children with autism to learn and thrive.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The ESA program represents a game-changing opportunity for Texas families. For those at Westview, it may offer meaningful financial help while allowing students to benefit from the kind of tailored, autism-specific education we’re proud to provide. We will provide updated information about the program as it becomes available.

Timeline to Watch:

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 - SB 2 becomes law

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 - A Conversation on School Choice, Education Savings Accounts, and What It Means for Westview Families, by Bevan Koch, Ed.D., Head of School

JANUARY 2026 - ESA application process expected to open

FALL 2026 - ESA funds become available for use in the 2026–27 school year