Alabama families can now apply for up to $7,000 in state funds 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 support if they want to go to a private school. Applications opened Jan. 2.

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

Families can now apply for state-funded education savings accounts. They will get money for tuition and other education expenses starting in July 2025.

The first ESAs will be limited to specific 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 participating in a homeschool program will get $2,000 beginning July 1, with a cap of $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 approved subjects
• Fees for after-school or summer education programs provided by a
• participating school
• Curriculum and supplemental reading materials
• Instructional materials (i.e. school supplies)
• Private tutoring in approved subjects
• Computers and technological aids
• Tuition and fees for approved nonpublic K-12 online learning programs
• Educational software and applications
• Educational therapies for students with disabilities
• Fees for standardized and nationally recognized assessments
• Contracted services provided by a public school district including specific
• classroom instruction

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

A guide explaining how to use the funds, eligible services and more is available here.

Which private schools are participating?

Schools and providers must tell 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 by or in the process of being accredited by an approved accrediting agency named in the bill,
• Agree to comply with the Alabama Child Protection Act, meaning adults must go through background checks,
• Provide financial statements to the Alabama Department of Revenue that show their ability to provide educational services to the student, or provide a surety bond,
• Require students to take a standardized test that meets the requirements, unless the student has a disability that exempts them from being tested,
• Provide school-level test scores to the Department of Revenue,
• Tell the Department of Revenue if the student withdraws or misuses the ESA,

Participating schools and education service providers cannot discriminate against a student based on race, color or national origin.

They are not required to accept any student, however, or provide services for children with disabilities. They also are not prohibited from discriminating against a student with a disability.