Optima Academy Online Announces Expansion into Texas as Private School Choice Partner Under State EFA Program
Dallas, Texas, February 1, 2026 — Optima Academy Online, a Cognia-accredited private online school serving students nationwide in grades K–12, announced today that it will expand into Texas beginning with grades K–9 for the 2026–2027 school year as a private school option eligible under the state’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program.
Through the Texas EFA program, eligible families can use state-directed education funds toward approved educational expenses, including private school tuition. Optima Academy Online will offer Texas families a flexible online private school option that combines live, teacher-led instruction with immersive virtual reality learning experiences, while maintaining rigorous academic standards through full Cognia accreditation at no out-of-pocket cost to Texas families.
“Our goal has always been to create a school where students are known, challenged, and inspired,” Kim Abel, Head of School at Optima Academy Online, said. “Expanding into Texas allows us to serve families seeking a private school education that values strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and thoughtful innovation. Our use of virtual reality enhances learning by helping students engage deeply with academic content in ways that are memorable and meaningful.”
Optima Academy Online will initially serve Texas students in grades K–9 and is designed to support families seeking alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. The school’s model blends live online classes led by certified teachers with independent learning time, allowing for structure, flexibility, and personalized pacing. As Optima Academy Online grows its Texas footprint, additional grade levels will be added to support students as they progress academically.
“Texas’s Education Freedom Account program reflects a growing recognition that families deserve meaningful choice in their child’s education,” Adam Mangana, CEO of Optima, said. “Optima Academy Online was built to meet the needs of families looking for high-quality, accredited education that works around real life, and we are excited to bring that option to Texas.”
In addition to Cognia accreditation, Optima Academy Online is designed to support neurodivergent learners and students with unique abilities, including those with learning disabilities who benefit from inclusive instruction and individualized education plans (IEPs) within flexible learning environments. All Optima Academy Online teachers are Exceptional Student Education (ESE) certified, equipping them to support diverse learning needs through thoughtful accommodations, individualized pacing, and multi-sensory instruction. While the school holds a Purple Star School designation recognizing its support of military-connected families, Optima Academy Online primarily serves students transitioning from homeschooling, learners seeking alternatives to traditional classrooms, and families looking for a private school model that meets students where they are and helps them thrive.
Applications for the Texas Education Freedom Account program are scheduled to open February 4, 2026. Optima Academy Online is currently accepting applications from Texas families interested in enrolling for grades K–9 and planning to use EFA funds, allowing approved families to apply and prepare for enrollment ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.
Texas families interested in Optima Academy Online can visit optimaacademy.online/state-offerings-texas/ to learn more about academic programs, enrollment timelines, and how Education Freedom Account funds may be applied toward tuition beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
About Optima Academy Online
Optima Academy Online is a Cognia-accredited K–12 online school serving families nationwide. The school offers live and on-demand courses designed to provide flexibility, academic consistency, and high-quality instruction in an online learning environment. Optima Academy Online partners with families to support student success through flexible programs that meet a wide range of educational needs.
Bridgette Hudak
