ALABAMA (WHNT) – Beginning on January 2, parents across the state will be able to apply for Education Saving Accounts (ESAs) to help pay for their student’s tuition and other educational resources.
The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), Gov. Kay Ivey and supporters of the CHOOSE Act have said the program will allow families to have more choice over where they send their children to be educated.
The act will provide funds to help cover the cost of more than 160 participating private schools, independent schools and home-schooling programs.
Understanding Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
The first academic year, 2025-26, prioritizes specific groups of students:
- The first 500 ESAs will go to participating students with special needs
- The second priority will go to participating students who are dependents of active-duty service members who are enrolled in, or assigned to, a priority school (meaning their school received a failing grade on the last state report card)
- The remaining ESAs will be awarded to participating families with income that does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines