MONTGOMERY, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced on Tuesday that the CHOOSE Act’s Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are fully funded and ready for use for the 2025-2026 academic year. The program, designed to provide Alabama families with flexible educational funding options, will support more than 23,000 students this year.
The CHOOSE Act, passed earlier this year, allows families to apply for state-funded ESAs to help cover costs associated with educational needs such as private school tuition, home education, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualified expenses. Funds are distributed through ClassWallet, the platform selected by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) to manage and disburse the accounts.
According to ALDOR, the program received applications from all 67 counties in the state, totaling 36,873 students. Of those, over 23,000 students have been approved for funding. Approved participants enrolled in eligible private schools will receive $7,000 each, while home-educated students will receive $2,000 each, with a maximum of $4,000 per family.
Governor Ivey highlighted the program’s strong start in its inaugural year.
“Our CHOOSE Act education savings accounts are officially ready to support thousands of Alabama families and students with their unique educational needs,” said Ivey. “In just the first year, our state’s ESA program is incredibly popular, providing opportunity, flexibility and choice when it comes to our children’s education.”
The total funding allocated this year surpasses $124 million, aimed at broadening educational options for families across the state.
Families approved for funding will begin receiving communications from ClassWallet around July 1, including information on how to access and manage their ESA funds. The email will also include webinar details for those seeking additional support and guidance.
More information, including a Parent Guide, FAQs, and a list of approved education service providers, is available at www.chooseact.alabama.gov. The application window for the 2026–2027 school year will open in January 2026.
