Expanding Educational Options: School Choice in Arizona and Texas — What It Means for Menta Families

In an era of growing demand for personalized learning pathways, school choice programs in states like Arizona and Texas are transforming how families access and fund education. For The Menta Education Group, with eight campuses in these two states, these developments create exciting opportunities for students and families seeking alternatives that align with their unique learning needs, goals, and life circumstances.

School Choice in Arizona: A Model of Flexibility and Access

Arizona has long been recognized as a leader in innovative school choice policies, offering families multiple pathways to customize their child’s education. (EdChoice)

1. Traditional and Public School Options

Arizona families can choose from:

• Traditional neighborhood public schools
• Open-enrollment public schools across districts
• Public charter schools
• Public magnet schools
• Online academies
• Homeschooling programs

This diversity gives parents real agency to find the instructional setting that best fits their child’s learning style. (National School Choice Week)

2. Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

A centerpiece of Arizona’s school choice landscape is the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Through the ESA:

• State education funds follow the student, not the school.
• Families can use ESA dollars for a wide range of approved education expenses including private school tuition, curricula, tutoring, educational therapies, and selected educational supplies and services. (Arizona Department of Education)

Key features of Arizona’s ESA program:

• Eligibility: Any student eligible to enroll in a K–12 school. Preschool children with qualifying plans may also participate. (EdChoice) · Flexibility: Parents select schools or services that best fit their child’s needs. (Excel High School)
• Broader choice: In addition to private schools, families may use ESA funds for items like educational therapy or specialized curricula. (Arizona Department of Education)

3. Supporting Special Needs

Arizona’s ESA option has been especially noted for supporting families of students with disabilities. It enables targeted services and environments that might not be available in traditional public school settings. (SESI Schools)

Texas Enters the School Choice Arena: Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Texas will launch its first statewide Education Savings Account program — known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). (Texas Education Freedom Accounts)

1. What TEFA Means

Under Texas’ new program:

• Participating families may receive state funds deposited into parent-controlled education accounts.
• Funds can be used for approved educational costs, including private school tuition, textbooks, instructional materials, tutoring, transportation, and some therapy and tech expenses. (EdChoice)

2. Estimated Support Amounts

While final amounts are set by law and rules:

• Most students could receive around $10,000–$10,800 per year to support education outside the public system.
• Students with disabilities may be eligible for up to $30,000 per year.
• Home-schooled students can receive a smaller allotment (e.g., $2,000).

3. Eligibility and Application

• The TEFA program is universal: any Texas K–12 resident who could attend public school may apply. (EdChoice)
• Applications for families open on February 4, 2026 with funding available starting fall 2026. (Texas Education Freedom Accounts)

4. Private School Participation

• Private schools must choose to participate and meet eligibility requirements, but they’re not mandated to accept TEFA funds. Families may need to cover any tuition above the TEFA amount. (EdChoice)

How School Choice Benefits Menta Students and Families

For Menta Education Group, the landscape of school choice in Arizona and Texas aligns strongly with the organization’s mission to provide supportive, trauma-informed, personalized learning environments.

1. Expanded Access to Tailored Education

Many Menta students thrive in settings that differ from traditional public school environments — whether due to academic needs, social-emotional considerations, or previous disruption in schooling. School choice programs help families explore alternative paths that better serve those needs.

• Arizona’s ESA funds can help cover tuition for private or specialized programs that match a student’s learning profile. (Arizona Department of Education)
• Texas’ TEFA program brings new flexibility for families who want more control over how education dollars are spent. (Texas Education Freedom Accounts)

2. Support for Special Needs and Therapeutic Services

Both Arizona and Texas ESA programs provide higher funding levels and priority access for students with disabilities, supporting services and structures that can be hard to access in public systems.

• In Texas, students with disabilities may get up to $30,000 per year in ESA funds for approved services and placements. (parkhurstconsulting.com)
• Arizona’s ESA flexibility allows families to fund specialized instruction, therapies, and tailored curricula. (Arizona Department of Education)

3. Expanded Educational Choices for Families

School choice broadens the menu of options — including public, charter, private, online, and hybrid learning environments — giving families the ability to choose education settings that align with a child’s strengths.

• For Menta campuses, this environment attracts families ready to explore innovative educational pathways, including private schools, schools of choice, therapeutic education environments, and blended learning programs. (National School Choice Week)

Advancing Menta’s Mission Through Choice

As Arizona and Texas further empower parents with choice and flexibility, Menta Education Group is poised to support families navigating these opportunities. Whether families use Arizona’s established ESA program or participate in Texas’ newly launched Education Freedom Accounts, school choice frameworks can unlock new pathways for Menta students to access environments that support academic success, personal growth, and long-term wellbeing.