Montgomery, AL – On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the launch of a dedicated website for The CHOOSE Act (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024), which introduces a new education savings account (ESA) program in Alabama. The website, chooseact.alabama.gov, aims to provide education service providers (ESPs) and Alabama families with comprehensive information about the program.
The new website features details on eligibility requirements, an online application process, frequently asked questions, and important deadlines, as well as guides for parents and ESPs. Education service providers can begin their application process immediately, while families interested in applying for the ESA program for the 2025-2026 school year will be able to do so starting January 2, 2025, until April 7, 2025. Award notifications for successful applicants are scheduled to be sent out on May 1, 2025.
“Every Alabama student should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that meets their individual needs,” said Governor Ivey. “The CHOOSE Act is School Choice for a Strong Alabama – a wonderful opportunity for eligible families to receive assistance that will have a positive impact on their students’ academic future and the future of our great state.”
The CHOOSE Act establishes refundable income tax credits, known as ESAs, designed to assist eligible K-12 students in Alabama. These accounts can be utilized for various educational expenses, including school tuition, tutoring, and educational therapies at approved ESPs statewide. Under the program, funding will be allocated as follows: $7,000 per participating student enrolled in a qualifying school, and $2,000 per participating student involved in a home education program, capped at $4,000 per family.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the program will be accessible to families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year. The program is designed to prioritize students with special needs, followed by students who are dependents of active-duty service members assigned to priority schools. Additional ESAs will be distributed based on families’ AGI relative to the federal poverty level.
For further information about The CHOOSE Act and its offerings, interested parties can visit chooseact.alabama.gov.
