Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday marked the start of School Choice Week by highlighting recent and ongoing efforts aimed at expanding education options for students and families across Alabama.
“Our students are the foundation for a better future for Alabama,” Governor Ivey said. “Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their unique needs and helps them reach their full potential. My goal is to continue to make Alabama the most school choice friendly state in the nation.”
During her administration, Governor Ivey has emphasized policies focused on education freedom and student-centered options. As the 2026–27 school year approaches, applications remain open for the CHOOSE Act, Alabama’s education savings account program. According to the administration, thousands of families are continuing their participation, with 7,503 renewal applications submitted representing 13,410 students. Of those renewals, 3,950 students are enrolled in home education programs and 9,460 are enrolling in participating schools.
In addition, 7,590 new applications have been submitted, representing 12,078 students. Among new applicants, 4,047 students are enrolled in home education programs, while 8,031 students are enrolling in participating schools.
State officials reminded families that applications for both new and renewing participants must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Award notifications will be issued to eligible students on April 15, 2026, and verification of enrollment in participating schools must be completed by June 30, 2026, for funding that begins July 1, 2026.
In her recent State of the State address, Governor Ivey stated that Alabama students were a central reason she sought a second term. She proposed increasing CHOOSE Act funding to $250 million, with the goal of expanding access for families seeking alternative education options. She also reiterated her support for the Let the Kids Play Act, which aims to ensure students are not restricted from extracurricular activities due to their educational setting.
Beyond the CHOOSE Act, Governor Ivey signed an executive order confirming Alabama’s participation in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program, also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. This program, along with the Alabama Accountability Act, uses tax credits to support private educational funding and adds to the state’s existing school choice framework.
Alabama has also expanded school choice through state-funded public education options. The state currently supports four specialty public high schools: the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile, the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville, and the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, which is scheduled to open in Demopolis in 2026. These tuition-free schools serve students statewide and offer specialized academic programs aligned with specific talents and career pathways.
Governor Ivey has stated that expanding education freedom remains a priority, with the goal of ensuring that students across AL have access to educational opportunities that meet their individual needs.
