Alabama’s CHOOSE Act made it possible for Montgomery mother and U.S. veteran Shalice Washington to send her daughter, Kimora, to Trinity Presbyterian School, where the first grader’s favorite subject is art.
Gov. Kay Ivey introduced the Washingtons on Nov. 6 as one of the families using Alabama’s education savings account program. Shalice is a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a degree in health information management and maintains a GPA near 4.0.
“Ms. Washington has served our country, is continuing her own education and is working every day to give her daughter the best possible foundation for life,” Ivey said. “That kind of dedication to building a better future is something to admire, and it is what an education savings account can help make possible for families. I am proud the CHOOSE Act is helping the Washingtons make the education choices that best fit their family’s needs.”
Kimora is performing ahead in reading and math, according to the governor’s office. Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing dress-up and “all things Elsa.”
Washington said the program helped her family. “The CHOOSE Act has been so helpful to me and my family. I am very grateful to Governor Ivey for creating this opportunity. It really means a lot to us.”
“At Trinity, we believe every family should have the opportunity to choose an educational environment that reflects their values. The CHOOSE Act is making that possible for more Alabama families,” said Suzanne Satcher, head of Trinity Presbyterian School.
“We are especially grateful for Ms. Washington and her years of service to our country, which beautifully reflects one of Trinity’s core values, service. We are honored that she has chosen Trinity and grateful for the opportunity to partner with her in providing Kimora an education rooted in biblical truth, academic excellence and a commitment to serving God and others.”
Washington encouraged other Alabama parents to research their options and consider applying.
“If you want a better education for your children, definitely look into applying. Do your research and see what options are available because you never know what opportunities may be out there. For our family, the CHOOSE Act made it possible for my daughter to attend Trinity, a school that otherwise would not have been an option long term.”
The CHOOSE Act helps eligible Alabama K–12 students pay for tuition and other approved educational expenses, including textbooks, school supplies, computers and tutoring.
The state received 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students for the 2026–27 school year. The governor’s office said 34,322 students are using CHOOSE Act funds for approved expenses.
Applications for the 2027–28 school year open Jan. 4, 2027, and close at midnight March 31. Beginning that school year, families can apply regardless of income.
The Alabama Department of Revenue says the first 500 accounts are reserved for students with special needs. Priority then goes to returning students and siblings of participating students, followed by eligible dependents of active-duty service members who attend or are assigned to a priority school. Remaining awards are based on family income as a percentage of the federal poverty level.
Families can find application information at chooseact.alabama.gov.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
