Understanding Texas ESAs: What Round Rock Families Need to Know

Local guidance to help Round Rock families understand Texas Education Savings Accounts, school vouchers, and evolving education choices.

As education policy continues to evolve in Texas, many Round Rock families are seeking clear, local guidance on what these changes mean for their children. One of the most talked-about developments is the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) program, officially known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs), often referred to as school vouchers.

At Round the Rock, our goal is to help families navigate important community topics with clarity and context. That’s why we’ve partnered with ESTEAM EDU to bring Round Rock families a dedicated series exploring how Texas ESAs work, what families should consider now, and how these changes may impact local education options. This four-part series is designed to provide practical, community-focused information to help parents make informed, confident decisions.

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Education Freedom Is Personal: Why Texas EFAs Matter to Families Like Mine

By Nicholle Walton-Durban

I didn’t step into education to disrupt a system.
I stepped in because I was a mom looking for something better for my kids.

As a mother of three boys — each with different strengths, personalities, and learning styles — I learned quickly that no single educational model fits every child. What works beautifully for one learner can quietly fail another. That realization didn’t make me anti-system. It made me pro-child.

That journey ultimately led me to found ESTEAM Academy, a learner-driven microschool designed around agency, responsibility, and real-world learning. It also led to the creation of ESTEAM EDU, where we support educators and school leaders in building sustainable, purpose-driven learning environments.

Today, as Texas rolls out Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), I see a familiar question resurfacing across kitchen tables and community conversations:

What if families had real choice — and real support — in how their children learn?

What Are Education Freedom Accounts?

At a practical level, Texas EFAs allow eligible families to use public education dollars for approved learning options beyond traditional public schools — including private schools, microschools, tutoring, therapies, curriculum, and enrichment.

But at a human level, EFAs represent something much deeper.

They acknowledge that families are not passive consumers of education. They are partners. Decision-makers. Advocates.

EFAs don’t tell families what to choose. They trust families to choose wisely.

Why This Matters — Beyond Policy

As a school founder and a mom, I’ve seen what happens when learning environments align with a child’s needs — and what happens when they don’t.

I’ve watched learners who once felt “behind” rediscover confidence when they were trusted with responsibility. I’ve seen students grow when they were allowed to move at an authentic pace instead of racing a standardized clock. I’ve also sat with parents who felt trapped — financially or structurally — in systems that weren’t serving their child well, but didn’t see a viable alternative.

Education freedom matters because it removes that trap.

It creates space for families to ask better questions:

• Is my child known here?
  
• Is learning meaningful or performative?
  
• Is growth measured by compliance — or by capability?

Beginning February 4, 2026, parents can submit applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Education freedom accounts are designed to open doors, expand opportunities, and give each Texas child the chance to learn in the environment that fits them best. First awards will be available to participating children for the 2026-27 school year.

How Education Freedom Works Best

Choice alone isn’t enough. Without clarity and guidance, choice can become overwhelming.

In our work with families at ESTEAM Academy and with educators through ESTEAM EDU, we see the same truth repeated: education freedom works best when paired with education literacy.

Families need help understanding:

• How to evaluate learning environments
  
• What quality looks like beyond test scores
  
• How to align educational choices with long-term growth, not short-term convenience
  

Educators need support to build strong, compliant, and sustainable models — not just inspiring ideas.

EFAs open the door. Intentional design keeps it open.

Who This Is Really For

Education Freedom Accounts serve families first — but they also serve communities.

They empower parents seeking alternatives.
They enable educators to innovate responsibly.
They expand access to environments where learners are trusted, challenged, and supported.

This is not about replacing one system with another. It’s about expanding the ecosystem, so more children can thrive.

A Shared Responsibility

Education freedom isn’t about escaping responsibility. It’s about embracing it.

When families are empowered, educators are supported, and learners are trusted, we create schools — and communities — that reflect our highest values.

For me, this work will always be personal. It began with my own children. It continues with the families and educators we serve. And it reflects a belief I hold deeply: Our children deserve learning environments built for who they are — not who systems expect them to be.

To learn more, join us at one of our upcoming Virtual TEFA Information Sessions. 

About the Author

Nicholle Walton-Durban is the Founder of ESTEAM Academy, a learner-driven microschool, and ESTEAM EDU, an education consulting organization supporting families and school leaders.

She is a mother of three and has spent the last decade helping reimagine education through agency, accountability, and purpose-driven learning.

Connect with Nicholle through the following channels: 

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This article is part of Round the Rock’s ongoing series, Understanding Texas ESAs: What Round Rock Families Need to Know, created in partnership with ESTEAM EDU. The content is provided for informational and community-focused purposes only.

Round the Rock does not advocate for or endorse specific education policies, programs, schools, or choices. Views expressed by contributing authors and partners reflect their own perspectives and are shared to help provide clarity, context, and expert insight for families navigating evolving education topics.

Families are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals when making education decisions. Round the Rock remains committed to offering clear, local information so families can make confident choices that best serve their individual needs.

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