CHOOSE Act Funds Released for 34,000 Alabama Students

More than 34,000 Alabama students can now begin using State-funded education savings accounts for the 2026-27 school year after Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that the State's CHOOSE Act program has been fully funded.

The funds, delivered through the ClassWallet platform, can be used by approved families to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies and other approved education expenses offered by participating education service providers.

The announcement follows another year of strong demand for the school choice program. Nearly 49,000 students applied during the 2026-27 application period, setting a new record for the program. After eligibility reviews, more than 34,000 students were approved to receive funding, representing more than $174 million in education savings accounts.

"The CHOOSE Act has changed the lives of thousands of Alabama families by enabling them to select schools that best align with their priorities and their child's specific needs," Ivey said.

"The increase in applications for the upcoming school year shows that the people of Alabama want school choice, and I am proud that we are able to give it to them."

Under the program, students attending participating schools may receive up to $7,000 each. Students enrolled in approved home education programs may receive up to $2,000, with a maximum of $4,000 per family. The Alabama Department of Revenue administers the program, while ClassWallet manages the online platform that distributes and tracks approved education spending.

Families approved for funding are expected to receive a welcome email from ClassWallet with instructions for accessing their accounts, making purchases and reviewing eligible expenses. The email also includes customer support information for participating families.

The CHOOSE Act, signed into law by Ivey in 2024, established Alabama's education savings account program as part of a phased expansion of school choice. Eligibility remains income-based for new applicants during the 2026-27 school year, but beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, every Alabama family will be eligible to apply regardless of household income. Returning participants, siblings, certain students with special needs and qualifying military families continue to receive priority during the transition period.

Applications for the 2027-28 school year are expected to open in January 2027. Families can find the Parent Guide, frequently asked questions and a directory of approved education service providers through the State's CHOOSE Act website.