For Crystal French-Moore, finding the right school for her two sons meant finding a place where they could feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Now, 14-year-old Javontae Moore and 13-year-old Jacobe Moore are attending The Miracle Academy in Birmingham with help from Alabama’s CHOOSE Act education savings account program. Javontae is in ninth grade, while Jacobe is in eighth grade. Both participated in the program last school year and are using CHOOSE Act funds again for the 2026-27 school year.
Gov. Kay Ivey introduced the Moore family Friday as part of her ongoing effort to share the experiences of Alabama families participating in the program.
“The Moores are a prime example of parents dedicated to securing the best life possible for their children,” Ivey said. “They saw a change that needed to happen for their boys and sought to make that change a reality. I am proud that the CHOOSE Act has contributed to the prosperity of Javontae and Jacobe and the advancement of their education.”
Crystal, a case manager for Aletheia House who helps veterans secure jobs and meet their needs as they re-enter the workforce, said she wanted a welcoming and safe educational environment where her sons could thrive both academically and socially.
For her oldest son, the need for a change had become especially important.
“I didn’t know what I was going to be able to do for my kids. My oldest son was depressed and being bullied, and I dreaded having to send them back to that environment. Now, for him to be out of that situation and for both boys to be thriving at their new school is truly amazing. I am incredibly appreciative of the impact that the CHOOSE Act has had on our family, and I hope more people learn about this wonderful opportunity,” Crystal said.
At their new school, each of the brothers has found their own interests and strengths.
Javontae has ADHD, and Miracle Academy provides assistance to help him succeed academically. Outside the classroom, he enjoys working out and playing football. Math and science are his favorite subjects.
Jacobe enjoys playing games and hopes to become a firefighter one day. His favorite subject is social studies.
According to the governor’s office, both boys now love going to school, and having an environment that supports their individual academic and social needs has made a difference for the family.
Crystal encouraged other Alabama parents who believe the CHOOSE Act could help their children to apply.
“Please go for it, take a chance. Even if you think you won’t get approved for it, still try. Do whatever you can to make a better future for your kids. Never give up. The CHOOSE Act has truly been life-changing for our family, and I am so grateful for the help that this program has provided for my boys.”
The Miracle Academy was founded in 2020 in response to an educational need for Head of School Dr. Gregory Mullen’s daughter, Miracle, who has special needs. Operating under the nonprofit Miracle Mullen Downs Foundation, the private Christian school serves special-needs students in the Birmingham area, honors individualized education programs and focuses on teaching students according to their individual learning styles.
“The Choose Act has been great for Miracle Academy and the state of Alabama,” Mullen said. “It has given many parents the opportunity to choose where their children are educated. These are parents who normally would not have been afforded the luxury of choosing where their children receive their education due to their financial situation. The CHOOSE Act has definitely removed that barrier.”
The CHOOSE Act can help families cover approved educational expenses including tuition and fees, as well as instructional materials and supplies such as curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and fees charged by tutors or schools.
According to the governor’s office, the state received 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students for the 2026-27 school year. More than 34,000 students were approved to begin using CHOOSE Act funds July 1, representing more than $174 million in education savings accounts.
Eligibility expands further next year. Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, the CHOOSE Act will be open to Alabama families regardless of household income. Applications for that school year are scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
