On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey introduced the Siemens family of Dothan as participants in Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, the state’s education savings account program.
Parents Brady and Hannah Siemens have three children—Gabriel, an 11th grader; Remington, a 7th grader; and Annalise, a 3rd grader—who are all enrolled with support from the program.
“Brady and Hannah Siemens have been hoping for Alabama to have a program like the CHOOSE Act so that they can give their children the education that best suits their family. Now, that hope is a reality,” Governor Ivey said. “I look forward to the CHOOSE Act supporting many more Alabama families like the Siemenses for years to come.”
Before joining Northside Methodist Academy, the Siemens children attended three separate schools—Gabriel at a private school, while Remington and Annalise were at two different public campuses. Coordinating transportation became difficult for their parents, both of whom work full-time.
Brady Siemens is employed in sales, and Hannah Siemens serves as a medical assistant. She previously spent nearly two hours a day driving to pick up and drop off the children. With the CHOOSE Act, all three now attend the same school.
Hannah Siemens said she appreciated the public schools her younger children attended but wanted the opportunity for all of them to learn on the same campus and be part of the same school community.
Encouraging other families to consider the program, Hannah Siemens said, “100 percent do it! I have told so many people about this. A friend that is a single mom said this is something that changed her life.”
She also highlighted that her children are thriving in their new school environment. Gabriel, the oldest, is active in sports; Remington focuses on math and Boy Scouts; and Annalise enjoys dance and reading.
“This is an amazing opportunity for taxpayers. I’m way more optimistic for my children’s future, and I am proud to give them a great start to life. With the CHOOSE Act helping my children receive a personalized education, I believe they can achieve college and more,” Hannah Siemens said.
The Siemens family is among tens of thousands benefiting from the CHOOSE Act.
Last month, Governor Ivey spotlighted the McDade family of Montgomery and has pledged to continue sharing stories of Alabama families impacted by the program.
The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits, known as education savings accounts, to help K-12 students access educational opportunities. Families can use ESAs to pay for tuition, fees, and other approved education expenses through participating providers across the state.
Since applications opened in January 2025, more than 36,800 students from every Alabama county have applied to participate. The program offers $7,000 per student enrolled in a participating school, and $2,000 per home-schooled student, with a maximum of $4,000 per family.
The Alabama Department of Revenue, which administers the CHOOSE Act, reports that students from every grade level applied this year, with more than 23,000 approved. In total, the program has already distributed more than $124 million in ESA funding to Alabama families.
More details, including a Parent Guide, FAQ, and list of approved providers, are available at www.chooseact.alabama.gov. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in January 2026.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
