Since CHOOSE Act applications opened in January, almost 37,000 students in public schools and home education programs across the state have registered to gain access to funding as they look to further quality education on their terms.
According to Governor Kay Ivey, as of today, education savings accounts (ESAs) established by the CHOOSE Act are now fully funded and available for the 2025-2026 school year.
“Our CHOOSE Act education saving accounts are officially ready to support thousands of Alabama families and students with their unique educational needs,” she said. “In just the first year, our state’s ESA program is incredibly popular, providing opportunity, flexibility, and choice when it comes to our children’s education. I am excited to see the program in action this year.”
RELATED: CHOOSE Act approves nearly 24,000 students, most already in private or home schools
For the 2025–26 school year, families can receive up to $7,000 per child for private school enrollment or $2,000 per child (up to $4,000 per family) for homeschooling.
Eligibility for the CHOOSE Act is currently limited to households earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level, including about 75% of Alabama families.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), which administers the program, students from every grade level applied for funding this year, with over 23,000 students receiving approval.
That equates to over $124 million in ESAs supporting school choice for Alabama families and students.
Families approved for ESA funding will receive a welcome email on or around July 1 from ClassWallet, ALDOR’s program support partner, with instructions on how to access their funds and guidance on how to use them.
The email will also include information on how to attend upcoming webinars that will provide additional support and information for participating families and students.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
