Alabama’s school choice money is about to be back on the table and the clock is ticking.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Alabama families can now access updated information for the 2026-2027 CHOOSE Act’s (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024) education savings account application process.
The Governor’s Office noted that the program’s updated website now provides details on eligibility requirements, online applications for both renewing and new families, FAQs, key deadlines, and guides for parents and education service providers.
The state will open the renewal family application portal on December 15, 2025. New applicants may begin submitting applications on January 2, 2026. Both portals will close on March 31, with award notifications scheduled for April 15, 2026.
“The CHOOSE Act is a great success for real Alabama families and our state’s continued educational growth,” said Governor Ivey.
“I am excited for even more Alabama parents to have a greater voice in their children’s education, and I urge parents to apply and choose the education that best suits their children.”
In recent months, Ivey has highlighted families benefiting from the CHOOSE Act, including the McDades and the Walkers of Montgomery, the Siemenses of Dothan, and the Carbonells of Birmingham. She plans to continue showcasing families positively impacted by the state’s growing school choice initiative.
The CHOOSE Act establishes refundable tax credits, known as ESAs, to help eligible K5-12 students cover education-related expenses. Families may use funds for tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualified costs at approved service providers.
Program funding includes $7,000 per participating student enrolled in a participating school and $2,000 per participating home-education student, capped at $4,000 per family.
For the 2026-2027 school year, new applicants must have an adjusted gross income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Beginning in 2027–2028, the program will be open to all Alabama families, regardless of income.
Priority for ESA awards will be given to students with special needs, participating students and their siblings, and dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school. Remaining ESAs will be awarded based on family income relative to the federal poverty level.
