As the deadline swiftly approaches for Alabama families to participate in the state's school choice Education Savings Account (ESA) law, called the CHOOSE Act, Gov. Kay Ivey is calling on Alabama parents to take advantage before time runs out.
Families can apply online for the 2025-2026 school year at the CHOOSE Act website. The application process will be open through April 7, and award notifications will be sent to families in May.
Lawmakers passed the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students' Education (CHOOSE) Act during the 2024 legislative session.
The law allows the Department of Revenue (ALDOR) to manage education savings accounts (ESAs) for approved students. ESAs are funded through a refundable income tax credit available to eligible parents. The individual credit would be $7,000 for students in participating schools, while non-participating school students—such as homeschooled students—are $2,000 per student and $4,000 per family.
An ESA can be used to pay for school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies and other qualified education expenses at approved ESPs across the state. ESPs are individuals or organizations ALDOR authorizes to provide educational goods and services to participating families.
"Taxpaying Alabama families want school choice, and our ESA program, the CHOOSE Act is providing that unique opportunity," Ivey said. "This program gives Alabama students greater flexibility to pursue educational options that meet their individual needs. I urge eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and apply before the April 7 deadline."
ALDOR said two weeks ago that the state had received 14,896 family applications for 24,876 students.
During the first year of implementation, the first 500 ESAs will be awarded to participating students with special needs. A second priority is granted to dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school. The remaining ESAs will be awarded to participating students based on each family's adjusted gross income, not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year.
This comes as the U.S. Department of Education, on Monday, under an executive order from President Donald Trump, is encouraging state school boards to utilize Title I funds to "support education choice initiatives."
"The Trump administration is committed to expanding education options for parents in their children's education," said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "Today's guidance is an important early action aimed at advancing educational choice and encouraging states and schools to maximize learning options that help students excel."
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