SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio mother of five, Ashley Valdez, has expressed her gratitude for the state-funded education savings account program that has allowed her children to remain in private Catholic schooling. This program has also provided crucial support for her daughter, who has a learning disability.
Valdez faced a daunting challenge: the cost of keeping all five children in private school was projected to exceed $25,000 annually. As her family contemplated enrolling in public schools, they were informed that they had been accepted into the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program.
“When we received it, we were just over the moon,” Valdez shared, expressing the immense relief of knowing her children could continue in the private school they had attended for years.
Following their acceptance, the family reached out to Holy Name Catholic School located on the West Side of San Antonio. For Valdez, the TEFA program symbolizes the importance of educational choice for her children.
“To be able to choose a private Catholic school to help with that pillar in faith as they go through life is just so important,” she stated, highlighting the value of faith-based education.
The program is particularly beneficial for her second-grade daughter, Zoe, who requires professional support for her learning disability. Valdez noted that the TEFA funds will also assist in covering school-related costs and tutoring expenses, ensuring that her daughter receives the necessary resources for her education.
Holy Name Catholic School Principal Jennifer Sisk reported a significant increase in enrollment attributed to the TEFA program, with a 30% rise in student numbers. “For us, it’s been over a 30% increase in our enrollment,” Sisk confirmed.
The school is welcoming 65 new families, and 55 returning families are utilizing TEFA funds, which have also enabled the school to enhance resources for students with special needs.
Sisk remarked, “On my side, we’ve hired an interventionist, so they are able to serve our students who have dyslexia or special education.” This development allows the school to better accommodate students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and to gradually expand their support services.
In the San Antonio area, families in the Northside Independent School District (ISD) have the highest participation in the TEFA program, with 2,271 students enrolled. Following closely are the North East ISD with 1,536 students, and San Antonio ISD with 972 students.
As the school year unfolds, families like the Valdezs are experiencing a transformative change in what is financially feasible for their children’s education. Schools that are welcoming TEFA participants are also adapting by adding staff and resources to better meet the needs of their diverse student populations.
