By Rachael Lindley
Photos courtesy of The Miles Foundation
While a strong education is often the first step towards a successful and fulfilling life, many families in Fort Worth and surrounding areas are becoming increasingly aware that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for schooling. Enter: The Miles Foundation.
The Miles Foundation is a Tarrant County organization with a mission to honor the legacy of its founder, Ellison Miles, by supporting education initiatives that promote the next generation’s success. The foundation approaches children and families holistically, focusing on building stronger communities and providing them with the necessary resources and educational programs to thrive.
“Best Place for Kids!” is the foundation’s initiative that gives every child access to a quality education from birth by connecting families with local resources and supporting businesses with family-friendly strategies that help working parents and businesses improve their bottom line.
We sat down with Grant Coates, CEO of The Miles Foundation, to learn more about the organization’s goal.
360West: Can you tell us about your background and the mission of The Miles Foundation?
Grant Coates: I grew up in Weatherford and started working for our founder back in college, in 2001. I’ve been with the organization for almost 25 years, moving into the CEO role in 2011. Our founder, Ellison Miles, was an oil and gas wildcatter who left his entire estate to charity, and every day we try to honor that legacy.
Our mission is simple: to provide the next generation with opportunities to succeed in school and life. We’ve partnered with thousands of families and dozens of organizations in Fort Worth, providing resources, connections and opportunities so children can thrive in whatever environment is best for them.
360West: One of The Miles Foundation’s focuses right now is implementing an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, recently passed by the Texas Legislature. How does that program work?
Coates: The ESA is designed to give families flexibility in choosing the option that’s best for their child. That money can go towards private school tuition, micro schools, homeschooling, tutoring, therapies, transportation — even educational materials — allowing families to craft whatever education situation they want for their kid.
For most students, the allotted amount is about $10,000 per year, while students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000 annually, depending on the severity of their needs.
360West: Who are the priority children in this program?
Coates: First, students with disabilities. That’s the number one priority. Then, the low-income families, followed by the middle-income families. After that, it’s open to everyone else — if there’s still money available. Currently, $1 billion is available for this program.
360West: Some people worry the ESA will take money away from public schools. Is that true?
Coates: That’s a misconception. Public schools in Texas receive $100 billion annually. The ESA program is $1 billion — that’s 1% of the total. It’s not even coming from the public school fund; it’s a different pot of money. So it’s not defunding public schools. It’s designed to complement them. If your child is thriving in a public school, great — stay. However, not every family shares that sentiment, and those families should have options.
360West: What’s the timeline for families who want to participate?
Coates: The Comptroller is still putting the program together. At the earliest, families may be able to start applying in January 2026 for the 2026–27 school year. But it’s important to know that signing up for the ESA doesn’t put your child in a school. Parents need to apply for the ESA and separately apply to the school of their choice.
360West: For parents, how do you know if your child might need a different school environment?
Coates: Look at outcomes — but also at happiness. Are they reading at grade level? Are they ready for college? But also, do they want to go to school? Do you see them thriving? Every parent knows when their kid is doing well. And if they’re not, maybe it’s the environment.
We fundamentally believe that a motivated student learns much better and faster. If a child dreads school all year, that’s a sign it may not be the right fit for them.
360West: You’ve mentioned personalized learning as the future. What does that look like?
Coates: For the first time in human history, we can do personalized learning at scale. With technology and small, innovative schools, we can meet kids where they are. Micro schools, outdoor schools, new models — this is where the innovation is happening. One example is Braveheart Christian Academy in Arlington, where 90% of students close their educational gaps within one year through personalized learning in small, supportive environments. That’s powerful.
360West: How is the Miles Foundation assisting families in navigating this new program?
Coates: We launched bestplace4students.com, a hub with case studies, school profiles and a newsletter. We want to be that trusted resource, helping families in Tarrant County understand their options and choose the right school for their kids.
360West: What’s your hope for the ESA program?
Coates: Options are powerful. If your child is happy where they are, stay. But if not, you deserve choices. At the end of the day, this is about helping kids learn at the speed of their potential.
To stay up to date on The Miles Foundation and the ESA visit bestplace4students.com.