MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama families can now apply for the CHOOSE Act, the state’s new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open through Monday, April 7 on the CHOOSE Act website, with award notifications slated for May.
“The CHOOSE Act will help our Alabama students receive the highest-quality education possible by giving greater flexibility to families to pursue educational options that meet their individual needs,” said Ivey, who signed the act into law in March 2024. “It is a wonderful opportunity to make the future of Alabama stronger than ever.”
Administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue, the CHOOSE Act offers ESAs to eligible K-12 students. The funds – $7,000 per student for participating private schools and $2,000 for home education programs – cover tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other approved expenses.
Priority will initially be given to the first 500 applicants with special needs, followed by children of active-duty service members in priority schools. Remaining funds will be distributed based on income, capped at 300 percent of the federal poverty level, approximately $93,600 for a family of four.
Students approved for ESAs can begin using funds in July 2025.
The program’s website provides application details, eligibility criteria, and guides for families and education providers.
