Ted Cruz Highlights School Choice Push During Houston School Visit

Inside a Houston classroom, Senator Ted Cruz (R) saw what he has spent years arguing should be available to families across Texas: the freedom to choose the school that works best for their children.

Sen. Cruz visited The Imani School in Houston, meeting with students, teachers, and families while celebrating what he described as historic victories for school choice.

"It was inspiring to visit The Imani School and see firsthand the incredible work its teachers and staff are doing to prepare the next generation of Texas students," said Sen. Cruz.

The visit came as a new federal school choice program prepares to take effect, potentially giving millions of families access to scholarships for K-12 educational expenses.

Cruz pointed to the Education Freedom Tax Credit, legislation he authored, enacted through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals will be able to receive a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to certified scholarship-granting organizations, which can then provide scholarships to eligible students.

In Texas, an estimated 5.4 million K-12 students, or 92% of the state's K-12 population, are eligible for scholarships through the program.

"Last year, I was proud to deliver the largest federal school choice program in history, which will unleash billions of dollars in new scholarships for K-12 students across the country," said Cruz.

American Federation for Children Director of Federal Affairs Ashling Preston said the Imani School demonstrates what can happen when parents have greater control over their children's education.

Cruz also secured provisions expanding 529 education savings accounts for K-12 expenses. The law doubles the annual withdrawal limit from $10,000 to $20,000 per student and expands the list of qualifying expenses to include curriculum, books, tutoring, standardized testing, dual enrollment, and certain educational therapies.

In Cruz's eyes, the Houston visit was more than a celebration. It was a look at the kind of educational choice he believes should be available to families regardless of income or ZIP code.