Education

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program is designed to provide families with more educational options by allowing them to use state funds for private school tuition, homeschooling and other approved educational expenses.

Key dates:

• Parent application window opens - beginning of February
• Notification of funding status - after the application period closes
• Initial funding available - beginning of July (25% of approved funding)
• Additional funding available - beginning of October (50% of approved funding)
• Final funding available - beginning of April, the following year (remaining funds)

Eligibility

• General requirements
  • The child must be a United States citizen or lawfully-admitted resident
  • The child must be eligible to attend a public school or open-enrollment charter school or be eligible for pre-K or kindergarten
  • The child must reside in Texas
• Pre-K eligibility
  • Children aged 3 through 5 who meet specific criteria (e.g., children of active-duty military, children in foster care, children from low-income families, etc.)
• Special education
  • Children with disabilities may be eligible for higher funding if enrolled in approved private schools or pre-K/kindergarten

The amount awarded to each participating child depends on the educational setting they choose:

• Private school or pre-K/kindergarten
  • 85% of the estimated statewide average funding per student in average daily attendance for the most recent school year, as calculated by the Texas Education Agency
  • TEA currently estimates this amount to be $10,800, though the final figure may change
• Children with disabilities (private school or pre-K/kindergarten)
  • Children with disabilities may be eligible to receive up to $30,000 annually
  • To qualify, the child must have an Individualized Education Program on file with TEA by the application deadline
  • The award amount is based on the funding that the child’s local school district would receive to provide services under the child’s IEP
• Homeschool or non-private school students
  • Children who are homeschooled or not enrolled in private school or pre-K/kindergarten may be eligible to receive $2,000 annually

Lottery System

If the number of eligible applicants exceeds available program funding, participation will be determined through a lottery system.

Approved Expenses

• Educational services/materials
  • Tuition and fees at approved private schools, higher education providers, online courses and programs offering industry credentials
  • Textbooks, uniforms and required fees for non-attendance-based classes
• Other approved expenses
  • Private tutoring, academic assessments, educational therapies, transportation, meals provided by private schools and up to 10% for computer hardware/software
• Not allowed
  • Funds cannot be used for family payments or non-education-related expenses

Program Administration

• The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers the TEFA program
• Children who are accepted into the program remain eligible until they graduate, move out of state or re-enroll in public school

For further details and to apply, families should visit the official Texas Education Freedom Accounts website.

Homeschooling in Abilene

Homeschooling in Texas is not regulated in the same way as traditional accredited private schools. Texas considers homeschools to be private schools for the purposes of compulsory attendance and private schools are not subject to state regulations regarding the number of days in session or the number of hours a student must attend each day. There is also no requirement for families to report or declare their intent to homeschool if their child has never been enrolled in a public or private school.

For more information on homeschooling regulations, visit:

• Texas Homeschool Coalition
• National Homeschool Association
• Homeschool Legal Defense Association

Homeschool Support at Dyess Air Force Base

Dyess AFB offers great support for homeschooling families through both on-base and community programs. The Dyess AFB Homeschoolers Group meets multiple times a month and offers a variety of activities including STEM sessions at the base library, cooking classes at the chapel, physical education at the Youth Center, 4-H lessons and on/off-base field trips. Additionally, there are special field trips just for Dyess Air Force Base homeschoolers.

Stay connected with other Dyess Homeschool families by joining the “Dyess AFB Homeschool” Facebook group and the GroupMe “Dyess Homeschool Community” group.

Tuition-Free Online Public Schools for K-12

Several online programs provide tuition-free education options for homeschoolers:

• Texas Virtual School Network
• K12
• University of Texas Online High School
• Texas Tech K-12 Learning
• CISCO College Dual Credit

Hybrid Options in Abilene

For families who prefer a hybrid approach, where students attend school two to three days per week and complete schoolwork at home, the following options are available:

• XDot Academy
• Abilene Classical Academy
• PEAK Academy

Off-Base Co-ops and Learning Groups

Several community-based co-ops and homeschool groups are available in Abilene including Big Country Home Educators, XDot Academy, Classical Conversations of Abilene, AHA! Abilene Homeschool Association, Big Country Homeschool Forum and Friday School Homeschool Co-Op.

Extracurricular Participation for Homeschoolers:

• Physical Education Classes: The Dyess AFB Youth Center offers one-hour PE classes twice per week for military-connected homeschoolers. The cost is $50 per family, per semester. Immunizations are required. For assistance with an immunization waiver, contact the Youth Center at 325-696-4797.
• JROTC: Homeschool students can now participate in JROTC programs at Cooper High School and Abilene High School under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020.
• University Interscholastic League Activities: Homeschool students can participate in UIL extracurricular activities like athletics, band, and academic competitions, however, they may not take elective courses at the school and athletics starts in 7th grade. Contact the school directly to make arrangements. Search UIL Homeschool FAQ for more details.
• Civil Air Patrol: The Civil Air Patrol offers leadership training for youth ages 12 through 21 focusing on aerospace, leadership, fitness and character building. It's located at 4400 Buffalo Gap Rd Suite 0525, Abilene, TX 79606. Contact the CAP at 325-518-1620.

Other community-based opportunities:

• The Abilene Youth Sports Association offers daily open gym
• XDot Academy provides homeschool athletic teams
• Grace Museum offers art classes once a month September through May and pre-registration is required
• Abilene Homeschool Choir
• Abilene Zoo education classes offers preschool and homeschool classes
• Morgan Jones Planetarium
• Global Samaritan Resources
• Abilene Children’s Theatre

For more information on homeschool resources and learning opportunities, contact the Dyess Air Force Base School Liaison at 325-696-4591.

In Abilene, Texas, families can find a variety of educational options for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private, and charter schools. While there are no schools located directly on Dyess Air Force Base, the base is situated within Region 14, which includes 43 public school districts. The two most popular school districts for Dyess AFB families are Abilene Independent School District (ISD) and Wylie Independent School District (ISD), due to their proximity to the base. Families living in more rural areas outside of Abilene often choose smaller districts such as Jim Ned, Clyde, Sweetwater, Merkel, and Hawley. Texas Leadership Academy (TLCA), a public charter school near Dyess AFB, serves approximately 100 military-connected students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Thanks to Texas House Bill 2892, children of active-duty service members can transfer to a preferred school outside of their zoned district. However, the district is not required to provide transportation for these students. To request a transfer, parents must enroll their child in the desired district, provide a copy of military orders, and submit a transfer request form if necessary. When completing the form, list “Military Request - HB 2892” as the reason for the transfer. It's important to note that this transfer law applies only to active-duty dependents. If a service member retires, their child(ren) will need to return to their zoned school.

All schools in the area offer meals for purchase, and some students may qualify for free or reduced-price lunches based on household income. Before and after-school programs are also available for a fee, and school sports and band programs are popular community activities.

In addition to public education, several private schools are available in the area, and most offer military discounts to Dyess AFB families. Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for military-connected families, with many local resources and support networks available to help homeschooling families thrive.

Registration Requirements

The following checklist of items to either bring or have sent from your current school district should help ease the transition of your student into a new school district:

• Immunization Records
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Parent Driver’s License
• Military Orders
• Proof of Residency (The TLF address may be temporarily used for enrollment purposes: 225 5th Street, Dyess AFB, TX 79607)
• Unofficial Transcripts with Report Card Grades & Close-Out/Withdrawal Grades
• Cumulative Folder with IEP/504/Gifted Records, Testing Information – Standardized Test Scores, End of Course (EOC) Test Scores, Competency Test Scores

Others:

• Course Description Book
• Current Schedule
• Class rank
• Activities Record (i.e., extracurricular participation records)
• JROTC Records
• Guardianship/Custody Papers
• Letters of Recommendation (especially for senior students)
• Writing Samples, if available
• Portfolios, if available
• Accelerated Reader Points, if available

Attendance Requirements in Texas

According to Texas attendance laws, students must be present in class at least 90% of the time to earn credit for the course. This rule applies to all students, including those with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan.

Attendance is typically recorded between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. each school day. As long as students are present during this time window, they will be marked as "present" for that day. The typical school year in Texas consists of approximately 180 days. Although Texas schools moved away from counting days to counting minutes, it works out to be pretty much 180 days for a school year. House Bill 2610, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, amends Section 25.081, Texas Education Code, by striking language requiring 180 days of instruction and replacing this language with a requirement that districts provide at least 75,600 minutes of instruction, including intermissions and recess.

Texas Grading System

In Texas, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) define the statewide academic standards, specifying what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level and across all subjects.

The grading system in Texas follows a numeric scale rather than a simple pass/fail system. The grading scale is as follows:

• A: 90–100
• B: 80–89
• C: 70–79
• F: 69 and below (failing)

To receive credit for a course, students must earn a minimum of 70 or above.

Kindergarten

While the typical age for kindergarten enrollment is five years old by September 1 of the current school year, it is not mandatory for children to start school at this age. Texas does not have compulsory kindergarten attendance. However, from age 6 to 19, children must attend school either public or private (includes homeschooling) until they graduate or get a GED. If a child has been enrolled in school for Pre-K, kindergarten, or 1st grade, the child must continue going to school that academic year, even if he or she is not yet 6.

Early Entrance Into 1st Grade

Early entrance into 1st grade is specifically permitted by state policy. TEC §42.003(c) states that a child may be enrolled in the first grade if he or she is 6 years old by the beginning of the school year, has been enrolled in a first-grade program in another state, or has successfully completed kindergarten in another state. Any five-year-old child may be assigned to 1st grade if the local district determines it is appropriate.

Keep in mind, according to the Military Interstate Compact Sec 3.102(b), military-connected students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with their grade level (including kindergarten) from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. In the case of a kindergarten student, the student must have been enrolled and attended class in the sending state in order to assure continued attendance in kindergarten in the receiving state.

A student that has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the receiving state on their validated level from an accredited school in the sending state.

Graduation Requirements in Texas

Currently in Texas there are four graduation programs:

• The Foundation program (22 credits)
• The Foundation program plus an Endorsement (26 credits) which includes a 4th science & math plus courses for endorsement
• The Distinguished Level of Achievement (26 credits)
• Performance Acknowledgement (22 or 26 credits) – outstanding performance on specific tests or earn a business/industry certificate

A credit is a unit of measure awarded for successful completion of a high school course. To graduate under the Foundation High School Program, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits in the following areas:

• English (4 credits) • English I • English II • English III • An advanced English course
• Mathematics (3 credits) • Algebra I • Geometry • An advanced math course
• Science (3 credits) • Biology • Integrated Physics • An advanced science course - Chemistry/ Physics
• Social Studies (3 credits) • World History or World Geography • U.S. History • U.S. Government (one-half credit) • Economics (one-half credit)
• Languages Other • 2 credits in the same language or than English (2 credits) • 2 credits from Computer Programming, Languages, including Computer Coding
• Physical Education (1 credit)
• Fine Arts (1 credit)
• Electives (5 credits)

End of Course (EOC) Exam Requirement

In addition to meeting graduation credit requirements, students are required to pass five EOC exams to earn a diploma from a Texas public high school (also named State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness or STAAR tests). Those five exams are given when a student takes English I and II, Biology, Algebra I, and U.S. History. A student who fails an EOC exam for no more than two of five courses can still receive a diploma if he or she qualifies to graduate as a result of an individual graduation committee review. Under the Foundation program only, the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee, which includes you and your child, can decide whether your student will need to pass the end of course assessments in order to graduate.

Refer to the TEA Graduation Toolkit for more information.

Contact the School Liaison for an extensive list of college prep resources and scholarships available to military-connected high schoolers.

Gifted Education

Gifted education is offered in each district. Parents may request gifted education for their children each school year during a designated referral window. If a student received gifted education services at their previous school, they would qualify for similar services at their new school upon enrollment. However, the new school has the right to reevaluate the student to determine continued eligibility at their discretion.

Purple Star Schools

The Purple Star designation was established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to recognize public schools that provide high-quality support to meet the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. The following schools in our area currently hold the Purple Star Designation: Baird Elementary and Baird High School, Long Early Learning Center, Bassetti Elementary, Dyess Elementary, Taylor Elementary, Ward Elementary, Clack Middle School, Cooper High School, Wylie East Elementary, and Wylie West Junior High.

Bus Service

All public schools provide bus transportation to and from a student’s zoned residency. Bus transportation from the base is limited. Abilene ISD has assigned bus stops within Dyess AFB family housing to Clack Middle School, Cooper High School, and ATEMS High School. Wylie ISD provides a morning bus to the following Wylie ISD campuses: Wylie Early Childhood, Wylie West Elementary, Wylie West Intermediate, Wylie West Junior High, and Wylie High School. Due to bus driver shortages, there is no afternoon bus to the base from the Wylie campuses at this time. However, Wylie ISD provides transportation to multiple community after school programs and offers an on-campus after school program at Wylie Early Childhood and Wylie West Elementary.

In Abilene, Texas, families can find a variety of educational options for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private, and charter schools. While there are no schools located directly on Dyess Air Force Base, the base is situated within Region 14, which includes 43 public school districts. The two most popular school districts for Dyess AFB families are Abilene Independent School District (ISD) and Wylie Independent School District (ISD), due to their proximity to the base. Families living in more rural areas outside of Abilene often choose smaller districts such as Jim Ned, Clyde, Sweetwater, Merkel, and Hawley. Texas Leadership Academy (TLCA), a public charter school near Dyess AFB, serves approximately 100 military-connected students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Thanks to Texas House Bill 2892, children of active-duty service members can transfer to a preferred school outside of their zoned district. However, the district is not required to provide transportation for these students. To request a transfer, parents must enroll their child in the desired district, provide a copy of military orders, and submit a transfer request form if necessary. When completing the form, list “Military Request - HB 2892” as the reason for the transfer. It's important to note that this transfer law applies only to active-duty dependents. If a service member retires, their child(ren) will need to return to their zoned school.

All schools in the area offer meals for purchase, and some students may qualify for free or reduced-price lunches based on household income. Before and after-school programs are also available for a fee, and school sports and band programs are popular community activities.

In addition to public education, several private schools are available in the area, and most offer military discounts to Dyess AFB families. Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for military-connected families, with many local resources and support networks available to help homeschooling families thrive.

Our Dyess AFB families have students spread out over 20 public schools near the installation. However, most of our military-connected students attend Wylie ISD (1,080) and Abilene ISD (942). The next largest enrollment of military-connected students is at Jim Ned CISD (186), Clyde CISD (105), Sweetwater ISD (77), Hawley ISD (76), and Texas Leadership Academy (112). You may review any school district’s state accountability rating and demographical information at https://txschools.gov/.

Abilene Independent School District (AISD)

Abilene Independent School District (AISD) spans 106 square miles across Taylor and Jones counties, serving approximately 14,533 students for the 2025-2026 school year. The district offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, including specialized campuses and programs designed to support the academic and personal growth of all students.

AISD is deeply committed to supporting military families, as demonstrated by their comprehensive military families website (Military Families Support) and a growing list of Purple Star campuses. These campuses, which are recognized for their exceptional support of military-connected students, include Bassetti Elementary, Cooper High School, Clack Middle School, Dyess Elementary, Long Early Learning Center, Taylor Elementary, and Ward Elementary.

The district operates two traditional high schools, a STEM Academy, a Medical High School Magnet Program, and an Alternative High School for at-risk students. AISD also runs four middle schools, including Mann STEAM Academy, and eleven elementary schools. One of these elementary schools, Martinez Elementary, offers a dual-language Spanish immersion program. Additionally, AISD has an Early Learning Center for preschool students, an alternative placement campus, and an Adult Education Center.

AISD is home to two specialized magnet schools: Holland Medical High School, located at Hardin-Simmons University, and the AISD Center for Innovation, housed at McMurry University. The district’s Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math, and Science (ATEMS) is now located at The LIFT, a state-of-the-art 120,000-square-foot learning facility. This facility also offers programs in robotics, automotive, culinary arts, welding, and construction sciences.

AISD offers an extensive range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including:
  ⦁    AV Production/Digital Media/Yearbook
  ⦁    Graphic Design/Animation
  ⦁    Principles of Construction/Construction Tech 1 & 2
  ⦁    Intro to Culinary/Culinary Arts/Advanced Culinary
  ⦁    Intro to Welding/Welding
  ⦁    Cyber Security/Computer Maintenance & Lab
  ⦁    Robotics/Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)/Intro to Engineering Design (IED)
  ⦁    Video Game Design/Drones/Principles of IT/Practicum
  ⦁    Computer Science/Computer Technician/Networking
  ⦁    Automotive Basics/Auto Tech 1 & 2
  ⦁    Aerospace Engineering
  ⦁    Forensic Science/Computer Science
  ⦁    Engineering Science/Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

In addition to academics, AISD offers a comprehensive athletics program with sports such as football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, powerlifting, golf, baseball/softball, track & field, soccer, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, and cheerleading. The district also offers a variety of fine arts programs, including marching band, color guard, orchestra, choir, dance, handbells, theater, and photography.
AISD is the only district in the region to offer JROTC programs, which are available at both Cooper High School and Abilene High School.
The district’s Extended School Program (ESP) provides acceleration and credit recovery opportunities for high school students. Through this program, students can complete web-based courses with teacher support to earn academic credits.
AISD serves over 2,300 students in its Special Education programs, which include PALS, ADAPT, and Resource Programs. The curriculum is designed to challenge both college-bound students and those pursuing vocational pathways.
To ensure all students have access to nutritious meals, all students in AISD are provided with free breakfast and lunch.

For enrollment, visit the following link: AISD Enrollment. To find your child’s bus stop, visit the AISD Transportation website: AISD Transportation.

Wylie Independent School District (WISD)

Wylie Independent School District (WISD) covers approximately 200 square miles in South Abilene and is recognized as one of Texas' fastest-growing school districts. Currently, Wylie ISD serves nearly 5,500 students across a range of educational facilities, including one Early Childhood campus, two elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two junior high schools, and one high school. Wylie students consistently perform above regional and state averages on standardized tests, including the TAAS, ACT, and SAT exams.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to the needs of military families, Wylie ISD provides an extensive military family support website, offering resources and information tailored to military-connected students: Military Families Support. In addition, Wylie East Elementary has earned the Purple Star Designation, a special recognition for schools that provide exceptional support to military-connected students. Several other Wylie ISD campuses are working toward earning this designation in the current school year.

Wylie ISD offers a broad and diverse curriculum that includes both traditional high school courses and a growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The CTE programs available at Wylie High School include:
  ⦁    Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
  ⦁    Animal Science
  ⦁    Plant Science
  ⦁    Electrical
  ⦁    Graphic Design & Interactive Media
  ⦁    Digital Communications
  ⦁    Accounting & Financial Services
  ⦁    Business Management
  ⦁    Entrepreneurship
  ⦁    Marketing & Sales
  ⦁    Teaching & Training
  ⦁    Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
  ⦁    Culinary Arts
  ⦁    Family and Community Services
  ⦁    Programming & Software Development
  ⦁    Engineering Foundations
  ⦁    Automotive & Collision Repair

In addition to academics, Wylie ISD provides a wide variety of athletic programs, including football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, powerlifting, golf, baseball/softball, track & field, soccer, tennis, swimming, cheerleading, and dance. The district also offers strong fine arts programs, such as marching band, choir, theater, and photography.
The Special Education Department serves approximately 500 students, offering Resource Programs and a Functional Academics Program on each campus. The Functional Academics Program focuses on teaching essential life skills to help students succeed in real-world situations at home, school, work, and in the community.
Wylie High School is honored to be recognized as a Unified Champion School by Special Olympics Texas, a distinction that highlights the leadership, inclusivity, and collaborative spirit of students who support their peers with intellectual disabilities.

For enrollment, visit the following link: Wylie ISD Enrollment. To find your child’s bus stop, go to the district transportation website: Wylie ISD Transportation.

Abilene, Texas offers a variety of private school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. Some of the most well-known private schools in the area include Abilene Christian School, St. John’s Episcopal School, Cornerstone Christian School, Kenley School, PEAK Christian Academy, Abilene Classical Academy, Abilene Junior Academy, and A Habitat for Learning. Each of these campuses provides its own unique educational philosophy, curriculum, and community atmosphere, giving families a range of choices to best meet their child’s needs.

Many private schools in Abilene also provide military discounts for active-duty families as part of their commitment to supporting the local military community. Enrollment processes vary by school, but most offer both in-person and online registration options. Families can find detailed information, admission requirements, and application timelines by visiting each school’s website.

Abilene has several colleges and universities offering Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s Degree Programs.

Abilene Christian University (ACU): 

• Type: Private Christian University
• Overview: Abilene Christian University is one of the largest private universities in Texas. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and provides a rigorous liberal arts education with a Christian perspective. ACU offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, arts, humanities, and more.
• Key Programs: Nursing, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Bible and Ministry, Psychology, and more.
• Website: Abilene Christian University

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU):

• Type: Private Christian University
• Overview: Hardin-Simmons University is a Baptist-affiliated private university that has been in operation since 1891. HSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, and it emphasizes a strong liberal arts education with Christian values. The university is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and theology.
• Key Programs: Nursing, Business, Education, Music, Theology, and Social Sciences.
• Website: Hardin-Simmons University

McMurry University:

• Type: Private Methodist University
• Overview: McMurry University is a Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university that provides a well-rounded education in a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, McMurry is also recognized for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and health fields.
• Key Programs: Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Psychology, Biology, and English.
• Website: McMurry University

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) - Abilene:

• Type: Public Technical College
• Overview: Texas State Technical College offers a variety of technical programs in fields such as welding, industrial management, automotive technology, and more. TSTC’s
• Abilene campus provides workforce training and technical education designed to prepare students for high-demand, skilled jobs in a range of industries.
• Key Programs: Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Industrial Management, Computer Networking, and Applied Technology.
• Website: Texas State Technical College

Cisco College:

• Type: Public Community College
• Overview: Cisco College offers associate degrees and workforce certifications in a variety of fields. Cisco College also offers dual-credit programs for high school students, making it accessible for students across the region.
• Key Programs: General Education, Health Sciences, Workforce Development (e.g., Nursing, Welding, Criminal Justice).
• Website: Cisco College

Western Texas College (WTC):

• Type: Public Community College (Located in Snyder, but serves Abilene area)
• Overview: While based in Snyder, Texas, Western Texas College is an important educational institution for students in the Abilene area. WTC provides a variety of associate degree programs, certificates, and workforce training opportunities. WTC offers many of its programs online or in hybrid formats, making it accessible to Abilene residents.
• Key Programs: Health Sciences, Business, Welding, and general education courses for students transferring to four-year universities.
• Website: Western Texas College 

Abilene, Texas, offers several adult education programs designed to support adults seeking a GED, high school completion, English language learning, workforce training, or career advancement.

1. Abilene ISD Adult Education
Offers GED prep, ESL classes, and citizenship courses for adult learners.
Learn more: https://www.abileneisd.org

2. Western Texas College (WTC) – Adult Education & Workforce Programs
Provides GED, Adult Basic Education, and career/technical training in fields like healthcare, welding, and office administration.
Learn more: https://www.wtc.edu

3. Abilene Adult Learning Center (ALC)
Offers GED classes, ESL instruction, and career development support such as resume writing and job readiness.

4. Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
Provides job search assistance, workforce training, certifications, and apprenticeships through local partnerships.
Learn more: https://www.wfswct.org

5. Abilene Public Library
Supports adults with literacy programs, computer classes, and free access to online learning and GED preparation tools.
Learn more: https://www.abilenetx.gov

6. Texas DARS (Assistive and Rehabilitative Services)
Offers education and employment support for adults with disabilities, including skills development and training.
Learn more: https://www.dars.state.tx.us

7. Texas Works through Premier High School Abilene
Provides adults with career readiness programs, academic support, and pathways to complete high school requirements.
Learn more: https://www.premierhighschools.com

These programs collectively offer accessible pathways for adults in Abilene to build academic skills, learn English, complete high school credentials, and prepare for the workforce.

In addition, assistance may be available through the State Employment Agency's Workforce Investment Act which assists qualified applicants in obtaining an Associate Degree from a local college or technical school or on-the-job training with local employers, and MyCAA. 
Dyess AFB also has an Education Office located in Dyess AFB 7FSS building 7401. Professional guidance counselors are available at the Dyess Education Office and at the colleges on an appointment basis. Testing facilities are available at McMurry University Campus to include testing for CLEP, Dantes, GRE, and GMAT. Military spouses may also visit the Military and Family Readiness Center for more information.

Exceptional Family Member Support

Children who are eligible for an Individualized Family Service Plan or an Individualized Education Plan are also eligible for the Exceptional Family Member Program. The School Liaison collaborates with local schools to ensure that families in the EFMP receive quality educational support. They work closely with school counselors, teachers, principals, base personnel and local/state officials to ensure compliance with federal and state education laws.

In addition, the School Liaison coordinates with the Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support, Exceptional Family Member Program-Medical and Exceptional Family Member Program-Assignments to provide comprehensive assistance. This includes support for Individualized Education Plans and referrals to educational, medical, financial and social services resources for families.

To enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program, please contact EFMP Medical.