EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — As the deadline to apply for Texas’ new school voucher program approaches, some private schools in El Paso say they are already seeing more interest from families.

The Texas Education Freedom Account program, also known as school vouchers, was created last year when lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2 and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law. State leaders set aside about $1 billion to fund the program during its first year.

If selected, families could receive thousands of dollars to help pay for private school or other education expenses.

Most students who use the funding for private school could receive about $10,000 a year. Students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000 depending on their eligibility, while homeschool families could receive about $2,000 for education expenses.

Matthew Macarah, head of Cherry Hill School in El Paso, said the program has led to increased interest from families considering private school.

“For us, we have a lot more interest. We have our returning parents that are interested in it, because we had to raise our tuition,” Macarah said. “But we’ve also had a great growth in interest with the new parents that are coming in and knowing that that door is open, coming to a private school because of the voucher system.”

However, because the program has limited funding, not every student who applies will receive money.

State officials say if demand exceeds available funding, a lottery system will be used. Priority will be given to students with disabilities and families with lower incomes.

Jordan Salas reports on El Paso private school says interest is growing as Texas voucher deadline nears (Credit: KFOX14)

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Students selected for the program can only use the funding at schools that have registered to participate.

Private schools are not required to join the program, but state data shows about 31 schools in the El Paso area have signed up so far.

Macarah said the school does not have a set cap on voucher students, but space in classrooms remains a factor.

“Our cap is just based on keeping our class size small,” Macarah said.

According to the Texas Education Freedom Account website, the program will also be subject to oversight and audits.

A private entity will review accounts annually, and the state auditor will also verify that students meet eligibility requirements and that funds are used for approved expenses.

Macarah said schools participating in the program expect that level of oversight.

“Some of the things that we’re expecting are an audit from the state funds to make sure the funds that we get are used appropriately according to the law and the purpose,” Macarah said. “It doesn’t seem overly onerous, and we’re excited to be able to invite more people, more diversity coming into the school.”

Applications for the program remain open until Tuesday. After the deadline, the state will begin reviewing applications and selecting students through the lottery process.

According to the state, families could begin receiving funding notifications as early as April.

More information on the program and how to apply can be found here.

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