PLANO, TEXAS — With Texas lawmakers continuing to debate the future of school choice, Governor Greg Abbott’s proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) program is shaping up to be one of the most consequential education initiatives in recent memory. If passed into law, it could provide Texas families—including those in Collin County and Texas’ 3rd Congressional District (TX-3)—with $10,000 per student annually to help cover private school tuition and related educational costs.
But how far does $10,000 go in North Texas? And who actually gets in?
Who’s Eligible—and Who Gets Priority?
Under Gov. Abbott’s current proposal, all Texas students would be eligible to apply for the ESA program, regardless of household income. However, the program is expected to have limited funding—especially in its early years—so priority access would go to:
- Students from households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level (around $150,000–$160,000 for a family of four), and
- Students with disabilities.
That means a family in TX-3 earning, say, $130,000 per year with two school-aged children would likely qualify for priority and could receive up to $20,000 per year in ESA funds.
The funds would be distributed through state-managed education savings accounts, allowing parents to spend the money on tuition, textbooks, school uniforms, transportation, and other qualified education expenses.
How Far Does $10,000 Go in TX-3?
Texas’ 3rd District includes a number of private and faith-based schools, particularly in cities like Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Allen. Tuition varies widely, and so does how far the proposed ESA funds would stretch.
| School | Estimated Annual Tuition | Voucher Impact |
|---|---|---|
| John Paul II High School | $24,000 | $10,000 covers ~42%; $14,000 remains |
| Legacy Christian Academy | $21,600 | $10,000 covers ~46%; $11,600 remains |
| McKinney Christian Academy | $13,600 | $10,000 covers ~74%; $3,600 remains |
| Coram Deo Academy (Plano) | $8,990 | 💯 Fully covered; possible surplus |
Getting In Is Another Story
Even if the voucher covers full or partial tuition, enrolling your child in a private school is not guaranteed. Many private schools in TX-3 have selective admissions processes that go beyond the ability to pay.
Factors that affect acceptance include:
- Academic history and prior school performance
- Standardized test scores or placement exams
- Family interviews and essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Faith alignment (for religious schools)
For example:
- Legacy Christian Academy requires both parents and students to be practicing Christians and asks for a pastoral reference.
- Coram Deo Academy requires at least one Christian parent and active involvement in a church.
- McKinney Christian Academy prefers Christian families but may admit non-Christian students who support the school’s values.
- John Paul II High School, while Catholic, is open to families of all faiths, though participation in religious classes and Mass is required.
In short, even with the tuition covered, your family still needs to meet each school’s specific admission criteria.
What If You Still Can’t Afford the Tuition?
If the school your family prefers costs more than $10,000 annually, and you don’t qualify for financial aid, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket.
Some schools, like John Paul II High School or Legacy Christian Academy, have tuitions exceeding $20,000 per year. In those cases, families would need to budget for:
- The tuition gap
- Uniforms and books
- Fees for applications, re-enrollment, or testing
- Transportation and extracurriculars
Even with the ESA, private education in TX-3 may remain out of reach for some families—especially if multiple children are involved or if both time and money are limited.
What’s Next for the Voucher Plan?
The ESA plan has passed the Texas Senate but continues to face resistance in the Texas House, particularly from rural Republicans concerned about diverting funds from public schools. Gov. Abbott has made school choice a legislative priority and could call a special session if the program fails during the regular session.
Supporters say the ESA would empower parents with greater educational choice. Critics argue that private schools, unlike public ones, can deny enrollment, and that the ESA could increase inequality by making elite education more accessible for some families—while leaving others behind.
What Should Families in TX-3 Do Now?
Families interested in private education should:
- Research each school’s admissions policies and requirements
- Budget for potential out-of-pocket costs, even with ESA funds
- Monitor the Texas legislative process for updates
- Consider alternatives such as charter schools or magnet programs if private options are limited
The proposed voucher program has the potential to reshape educational access in TX-3—but how much it helps depends not just on state policy, but on what each individual school is willing to offer.
For continued updates on school choice, education policy, and how it affects North Texas families, follow TX3DNews.com.