Governor Kay Ivey is celebrating the success of the CHOOSE Act by spotlighting families who are successfully using the program. To date, she’s highlighted three families: the Carbonells in Birmingham, the McDades in Montgomery, and the Siemenses from Dothan.
Since CHOOSE Act applications opened in January 2025, students in every county throughout the state have applied, totaling 36,873 students.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), which administers the program, students from all grade levels applied for funding this year, with over 23,000 students approved. This amounts to more than $124 million in ESAs supporting school choice for Alabama families and students.
The Siemens Family:
Dothan parents, Brady and Hannah Siemens, have three children: Gabriel, who is beginning 11th grade; Remington, 7th grade; and Annalise, 3rd grade. The CHOOSE Act is supporting all three children.
“Brady and Hannah Siemens have been hoping for Alabama to have a program like the CHOOSE Act so that they can give their children the education that best suits their family. Now, that hope is a reality,” said Ivey in a statement.
Before the CHOOSE Act, the Siemens children were at three different schools, making transportation for their working parents a significant challenge. A challenge faced by parents throughout the state is that it ultimately means more stress and less time together.
Brady, the children’s father, works in sales, and their mother, Hannah, is a medical assistant at a hospital. She was navigating around for two hours in the car each day, dropping off and picking up the three children. Now, thanks to the CHOOSE Act, all three children attend Northside Methodist Academy.
“This is an amazing opportunity for taxpayers. I’m way more optimistic for my children’s future, and I am proud to give them a great start to life. With the CHOOSE Act helping my children receive a personalized education, I believe they can achieve college and more,” Hannah Siemens said.
The Carbonell Family:
Francisco and Itzel Carbonell have five children: Maria, who is in 8th grade; Anna, in 5th grade; Amalia, in 1st grade; Juan, in K5; and baby Emma. All four children are enrolled in school at St. Rose Academy; the CHOOSE Act is supporting the family.
“For Francisco and Itzel, the CHOOSE Act means their children can learn and thrive in an environment that matches their values and goals,” Ivey said in a written statement. “Alabama families should not have to compromise on their choice for their children’s education. Thanks to the CHOOSE Act, families like the Carbonells can find the right fit for their children’s future – and that’s something worth celebrating.”
According to the governor's office, "With education, strong morals and their Catholic faith being their family pillars, the Carbonells have always desired a school for their children that would help them both academically and spiritually. In 2021, the Carbonells moved their family to Alabama and found the right fit at St. Rose Academy in Birmingham. With job changes and the economic climate of the last few years, Francisco and Itzel were prepared for this to be their last year at St. Rose, but with the help of the CHOOSE Act, they were able to keep all four children at the school and plan for baby Emma to attend once she is old enough."
“This is for real, Alabama families. We now see a clear path forward, especially looking at our youngest, thanks to the education we can provide for them with the help from the CHOOSE Act.”
The McDade Family:
Breauna McDade has three sons who are 14, 11, and four years old. KaMarrion McDade is beginning sixth grade this school year and transferring from a public school to Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery.
“KaMarrion’s mom shared that she had the goal to send all of her boys to Valiant Cross to receive a quality education and to grow as young men, and the CHOOSE Act is helping her do just that. I am proud to see this Alabama mom and her boys receive the education they desire!” Ivey said in a statement.
To other Alabama parents, Breauna advised regarding the CHOOSE Act, “Do it. Use it. It’s only paperwork. The hardest part is the five-minute application. Give your children the advantage we did not have growing up.”
For information, visit www.chooseact.alabama.gov, which has program information such as a Parent Guide, a Program FAQ and a list of approved education service providers. The application process for the 2026-2027 academic year will begin in January 2026.
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