Alabama Launches CHOOSE Act School Choice Program

News Summary

Alabama has introduced the CHOOSE Act, a new school choice initiative approved by the legislature in 2024. This program allows families access to state-funded education savings accounts worth up to $7,000 for private school tuition and $2,000 for homeschooling expenses. With over 165 private schools and three public schools participating, the program aims to provide educational flexibility and support to families, especially as applications open in early 2025.

Alabama City Welcomes New School Choice Program: The CHOOSE Act

In an exciting turn of events for families across Alabama, the state has just launched its CHOOSE Act school choice program. This new initiative, passed by the Alabama legislature in 2024, is already making waves with over 165 private schools and three public schools approved to participate. This means that families now have more options when it comes to their children’s education!

What’s the CHOOSE Act All About?

So, what exactly does the CHOOSE Act mean for Alabama families? Well, for starters, families can tap into state-funded education savings accounts (ESAs) worth up to $7,000 for private school tuition or other educational expenses. If homeschooling is your style, worry not! You can claim up to $2,000 per student for eligible expenses, with a family maximum of $4,000.

How to Get an ESA?

Families looking to benefit from ESAs will need to apply—so keep an eye on the calendar! The funds will be available starting in July 2025. Keep in mind that these accounts can only be used at certain approved private schools and with designated educational providers. Each Monday, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) updates its list of participating schools, so it’s good to check back regularly.

What Students Can Get an ESA?

For those curious about eligibility, in the 2025-26 school year, ESAs will be limited to specific groups of students. But the good news is that by the 2027-28 school year, all students will be eligible! Already, excitement is mounting, as on the very first day of applications (January 5), there were a whopping 5,256 applications submitted for 9,024 students. Current funding is even enough to accommodate accounts for up to 14,000 students!

Where Are the Schools?

The Birmingham area leads the charge with the highest number of participating schools, boasting 19 private institutions. Following closely are Mobile and Huntsville. Notably, while the majority of these private schools are religious, they welcome all students and cater to a variety of needs. Some even offer specialized services aimed at supporting students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities.

Approved Public Schools

Among the three public schools entered into the program are University Charter School in Livingston, Alabama Connections Academy in Athens, and Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile. It’s essential to note that while current participating public schools do not charge tuition, any fees related to services or specific instruction may still be covered by ESA funds.

How About Other Services?

For families looking to broaden their educational horizons, ESA funds can be allocated to approved education service providers too, such as tutors and textbook companies. As of January 6, 88 providers have already received approval for the program, and this includes some out-of-state vendors!

Mark Your Calendars!

For those eager to partake in this program, don’t forget that the application deadline for an ESA is set for April 7. Award notifications are expected to follow by May 1. Interestingly, there isn’t a deadline set for schools and education service providers to apply for participation, which might encourage even more options to come into play.

In summary, the CHOOSE Act is ushering in a new era of educational flexibility for families in Alabama. With ample school options and financial support, parents can now take significant steps towards securing the right educational paths for their kids. The future looks bright, and plenty of opportunities await!