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Summary

The CHOOSE Act Alabama establishes education savings accounts (ESAs) for eligible students in Alabama. This program aims to provide parents with greater flexibility in choosing the educational environment that best meets their children’s needs. Families can use funds for various educational expenses including tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at participating schools and education service providers (ESPs) in Alabama.

Student Funding

Funding Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)

Funding Amounts:

  • Up to $7,000 per student enrolled in a participating school or education service provider (ESP)
  • Up to $2,000 per student participating in a home education program (maximum of $4,000 per family)

Student Eligibility

Any student who is eligible to enroll in an Alabama K-12 public school is eligible to participate. Priority is given to families with incomes that do not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for the 2024-2025 tax year (based on adjusted gross income or AGI), students with disabilities, and students who are children of active-duty military personnel.

Rules and Requirements

  • Residency: Applicants must be residents of Alabama.
  • Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades who are eligible for the current school year
  • Program Requirements: Families must sign an affidavit committing to using funds for qualified expenses and complying with program rules.
  • Expense Reporting: For funds to be paid to the participating schools or ESPs, families must comply with the program’s expense reporting process. Funds are not paid directly to the family.
  • Application Window: Applications are open from January of the next school year through the spring. Check the Alabama CHOOSE Act ClassWallet site for specific details.

Using Your Funds

The funds can be used for a wide variety of educational options at CHOOSE Act Alabama participating schools or ESPs, including:

  • Private school tuition and fees
  • Homeschool curriculum and materials
  • Tutoring and educational therapy services
  • Online courses and virtual education programs
  • Standardized testing and college entrance exam fees
  • Technology for educational use (laptops, software, etc.)

The ClassWallet platform as administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) manages all payments and purchases of tuition and educational expenses. The platform makes all payments to participating schools or ESPs directly. Families do not receive the funds directly. For more information on ClassWallet and the CHOOSE Act Alabama, refer to the Parent Guide.

How to Apply

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the eligibility requirements for the current school year by checking the Program FAQs.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency and proof of income.
  3. Choose an Eligible School or ESP: Select a school that participates or ESP in the program to ensure your child will be able to enroll. For more information on approved providers, refer to the CHOOSE Act Alabama ClassWallet site.
  4. Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the CHOOSE Act Alabama ClassWallet site during the open enrollment period.
  5. Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
  6. Upon approval, follow the provided instructions to set up your ESA account and begin allocating funds towards eligible educational expenses.
  7. Additional and renewal  information: Please refer to the CHOOSE Act Alabama Parent Guide from the Alabama Department of Revenue.

For other Alabama School Choice Programs: Refer to our Alabama State Summary.