Simplifying School Choice
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From public, to public charter, to private to magnet, understanding different school types can be confusing. This guide helps break them down so you feel more confident about your school choice options.
Sarah Jordan
CMO, LearningSpring
Starting in fall 2026, Texas families will have access to the new Education Savings Account (ESA) Program signed into state law on May 3, 2025.
Nationally, traditional public schools make up the majority (83% of K-12 enrollments), according to the Pew Research Center.
Minnesota was the first state to pass legislation allowing charter schools in 1991. Since then, charter school concepts have spread nationally and enrollment has risen to nearly 3.7 million in the fall 2021. (Pew Research Center)
Texas has adopted:
These types of public schools offer specialized programs within public districts and often focus on:
Magnet schools are often limited in size, associated with high academic achievement, and can be competitive to gain an enrollment spot.
Texas offers alternative school options to students needing flexible or non-traditional learning environments.
Private schools are historically independent and tuition-funded. However, with the recent passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”), Education Savings Accounts and Scholarship Granting Organizations are poised to receive greater funding and donations, which can be used for private tuition costs.
Types include:
Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) offers state-run online courses for grades 3–12. There are also district-run virtual academies or charter-based online schools.
Texas law recognizes homeschooling as private schooling. Parents have wide latitude to design curriculum, provided it covers reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
Discover what school options are available in your area by creating a family account at LearningSpring.com.
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