Governor Kay Ivey on Friday introduced the Bells, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s education savings account (ESA) program.

Parents Cameron and Tara Bell have four children: Mary Whit, age 11, in 5th grade, Shep, age 10, in 4th grade, Kyng, age 8, in 2nd grade, and Majori “Maj”, the youngest, age 6, in kindergarten. Maj is currently the only child supported by the CHOOSE Act at The Oaks Classical Cottage School in Montgomery.

Maj’s siblings, Mary Whit, Shep, and Kyng, will be joining her at The Oaks next school year and will also be supported starting with the 2026-27 round of CHOOSE Act funding, according to the Governor’s office.

“Cameron and Tara Bell are a prime example of parents having access to educational options that align with their goals academically, socially, and in the values they are instilling in their children,” said Governor Ivey. “As I have often said, parents know what is best for their children, and the CHOOSE Act is making that kind of choice more accessible for Alabama families like the Bells.”

The Governor’s office stated that Cameron and Tara value a Christ-centered foundation for their children’s education, one that challenges them and guides them into their formative years. Cameron is the pastor at Southside Gospel Fellowship. Tara is a staff nurse at First Choice Women’s Medical Center.

Tara Bell shared advice for other parents regarding the CHOOSE Act: “Why not apply? It is such a blessing and opens your world to possibilities in your children’s education. We all know that income and resources can limit the possibilities of the future. This opportunity broadens your choices to choose what is best for your family.”

The Bell family describes their household as constantly on the move, with outdoor activities and family adventures shaping much of their daily life. Parents say that finding an educational environment tailored to each child’s individual needs has made a real difference for their family, particularly for Maj and Kyng, who were adopted through foster care.

Each of the Bell children has developed individual interests and strengths. Mary Whit enjoys reading and counts science as her favorite school subject. Shep and Kyng both share a love for baseball, though their academic interests differ — Shep gravitates toward social studies while Kyng most enjoys reading. Maj enjoys gymnastics as a favorite activity outside the classroom.

Tara Bell added, “We knew the Lord would provide, and He has. I tell anyone who will listen, the CHOOSE Act has been such a blessing for our family. It has given us the ability to choose the Christ-centered education we want for our children, especially as they enter their middle school years.”

The CHOOSE Act can help families with instructional materials and supplies, covering items like curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and even fees charged by tutors or schools.

“The Bells are a wonderful family, and we at The Oaks are thrilled to partner with them,” said Head of School Claire Kennedy. “Many students at this school benefit from the CHOOSE Act. Parents share that without the state funds, our school would not have been an option. The Oaks Classical Cottage School provides a unique three-day-a-week model, which requires a strong school-parent partnership. The CHOOSE Act has opened the door for our school to grow and for families to benefit from a collaborative school model. We are especially grateful for Governor Ivey’s strong support of parental choice and her commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Alabama students.”

The Bell family is one of tens of thousands being supported by the CHOOSE Act. In recent months, the governor featured families from across the state, and she will continue highlighting real Alabama families positively impacted by this school choice program.

The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits through education savings accounts (ESAs) to help eligible Alabama K-12 students pay for tuition, fees, and other approved educational expenses through participating Education Service Providers.

According to the state, the 2026-27 application period closed March 31 with more than 29,000 applications representing nearly 49,000 students. Families are expected to receive award notifications in mid-April, with approved funds becoming available July 1.

For the 2026-27 school year, new applicants must have an adjusted gross income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Beginning in 2027-28, the program will expand to all families regardless of income.

Priority consideration is given to students with special needs, current participants and siblings of participating students, as well as dependents of active-duty service members assigned to priority schools.

More information is available at CHOOSE Act Alabama.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].