Alabama families can now apply for up to $7,000 in state funding to be used for private school tuition.

The CHOOSE Act, a new school choice program passed by the Legislature in 2024, allows K-12 students in the state to apply for assistance if they want to attend private school. Applications possible from January 2nd.

“Alabama families can start the new year with a great opportunity for school choice in their communities,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a news release. “The CHOOSE Act will help our students in Alabama receive the best education possible by giving families more flexibility to pursue educational options that meet their individual needs. It is a wonderful opportunity to make Alabama’s future stronger than ever.”

Families can now apply for a government-funded education savings account. Starting in July 2025, they will receive money for tuition fees and other educational expenses.

The first ESAs will be limited to certain groups of students. All students in the state will be eligible for ESAs at the start of the 2027-28 school year.

To apply for an ESA, visit Chooseact.alabama.gov.

Students enrolled in a homeschool program will receive $2,000 starting July 1, capped at $4,000 per family.

What can ESA funds be used for?

ESAs can be used for tuition and certain fees at participating schools, as well as the following expenses:

• Textbooks in recognized subjects
• Fees for after-school or summer educational programs offered by a
• participating school
• Curriculum and supplementary reading materials
• Teaching materials (e.g. school supplies)
• Private tutoring in recognized subjects
• Computers and technical aids
• Tuition and fees for approved non-public K-12 online learning programs
• Educational software and applications
• Educational therapies for students with disabilities
• Fees for standardized and nationally recognized reports
• Contracted services provided by a public school district, including specific
• Teaching in the classroom

The parent of a student receiving an ESA must agree to pay the remaining amount of tuition or costs in excess of the $7,000 cap.

A guide explaining how funds will be used, eligible services and more is available Here.

Which private schools are participating?

Schools and providers must inform the state and follow certain rules to receive money from a child’s ESA. Applications for providers are currently open.

Schools must meet the following requirements:

• be accredited or in the process of being accredited by an approved accreditation agency specified in the bill,
• Agree to comply with the Alabama Child Protection Act, which means adults must undergo a background check.
• Submit financial statements to the Alabama Department of Financial Services indicating your ability to provide educational services to the student or provide a bond.
• Require students to complete a standardized test that meets requirements unless the student has a disability that precludes the student from taking the exam.
• Providing school-level test results to the Ministry of Finance,
• Notify the Treasury Department if the student withdraws or misuses the ESA.

Participating schools and educational providers may not discriminate against a student based on race, color or national origin.

However, they are not obliged to admit students or provide services for children with disabilities. They are also not prohibited from discriminating against students with disabilities.