Governor Kay Ivey spotlighted an Alabama family this week as part of her ongoing effort to highlight those benefitting from the CHOOSE Act, the state’s new education savings account program.
The Walker family, a military household with seven children, Peter (6th grade), Lucy (5th), Ella (3rd), Andrew (Kindergarten), Clare (Pre-K), and seven-month-old twins James and Joan, has made Alabama their permanent home thanks to the program.
Their four oldest children attend Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede campus with support from the CHOOSE Act. John Walker serves in the U.S. Air Force, while his wife, Mary, is a teacher.
“The Walker family found more than a home in Alabama – they found opportunity to prosper,” said Governor Ivey.
“Through the CHOOSE Act, John and Mary can give their children an education that reflects their faith and educational priorities. John and Mary shared with us that, with John’s military retirement forthcoming, they decided, because of the CHOOSE Act, they would be staying in Alabama permanently. I could not be more excited for their family.”
The Walkers say the CHOOSE Act reinforces their belief that parents should be the primary educators in their children’s lives. They value traditionalism, strong education, and a hands-on approach to learning — values that the program supports. Having lived around the country through military service, the family relocated to Alabama in 2023 and now plans to stay.
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“We tell all our friends around the country to come to Alabama,” the Walkers said. “We are so grateful to Governor Ivey and for the opportunities that our children have here because of the CHOOSE Act.”
The family’s home is filled with activity and learning. Peter, Lucy, Ella, and Andrew each bring their own curiosity and creativity to the classroom and beyond — whether reading, playing outside, or exploring new challenges.
“We have traveled all over the world and could have stayed anywhere,” said Mary Walker. “But we’re excited to stay here and make Alabama the best home for our family.”
The Walker family joins tens of thousands across the state in benefiting from the CHOOSE Act. Ivey’s office has also featured families from Montgomery, Dothan, and Birmingham — part of her ongoing effort to share stories of Alabamians who have been positively impacted by the state’s new school choice program.
The CHOOSE Act provides refundable tax credits, known as education savings accounts (ESAs), to help Alabama families pay for tuition, fees, and other qualified educational expenses at approved schools and service providers.
Since its launch in January 2025, the program has drawn applications from 36,873 students statewide. Eligible students can receive up to $7,000 per year for private school tuition or $2,000 for home education, with a cap of $4,000 per family.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, which administers the program, more than 23,000 students across all grade levels have been approved for funding this year, representing over $124 million in support for Alabama families.
Additional information — including the Parent Guide, FAQ, and approved education providers — is available at www.chooseact.alabama.gov. Applications for the 2026–2027 school year open in January 2026.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
