Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
A New Path to Affordable, Faith-Based Education
At St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy (SPSA), we believe every child deserves access to a high-quality, faith-based education—regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), that vision is becoming a reality for more families across Texas.
What Are ESAs?
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-funded accounts that give families direct access to public education dollars. These funds can be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses, including:
- Private school tuition
- Tutoring and academic support
- Online learning programs
- Educational therapies
- Curriculum materials and textbooks
- Standardized test fees
Texas ESA Program Highlights
- Universal Access: Texas’s ESA program is open to all K–12 students, with priority given to low-income families, students with disabilities, and siblings of current ESA recipients.
- Funding Amount: Eligible families may receive up to $8,000 per student per year to use toward private school tuition and other qualified expenses.
- Flexible Use: Funds can be used for tuition at SPSA and other approved educational services.
Texas’s ESA program is expected to become one of the largest in the country, with a funding cap of $1 billion. [www.wested.org]
Why ESAs Matter for SPSA Families
With 68% of SPSA families living below the federal poverty line, ESAs offer a powerful opportunity to make Catholic education more accessible. These accounts help bridge the gap between what families can afford and the true cost of a transformative education.
How to Apply
The Texas ESA program is administered by the state. Families will need to:
- Apply through the official ESA portal (coming soon).
- Select SPSA as your preferred private school.
- Use ESA funds to cover tuition and other eligible expenses.
We’ll update this page with application links and deadlines as soon as they’re available.
Need Help Navigating ESAs?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. SPSA will be hosting ESA Workshops to help you through the process. Sign up below.