Dothan Family Shares Success with CHOOSE Act Program
“I’m way more optimistic for my children’s future, and I am proud to give them a great start to life”— Hannah Siemens
On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey introduced the Siemens family of Dothan as one of the first to benefit from Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, the new education savings account (ESA) law giving families more schooling choice. The Siemens’ story shows how the CHOOSE Act is already changing daily life for many parents and children.
Brady and Hannah Siemens have three children: Gabriel, who is entering 11th grade; Remington, entering 7th; and Annalise, entering 3rd. All three are now being supported by the CHOOSE Act.
“Brady and Hannah Siemens have been hoping for Alabama to have a program like the CHOOSE Act so that they can give their children the education that best suits their family. Now, that hope is a reality,” Governor Ivey said. “I look forward to the CHOOSE Act supporting many more Alabama families like the Siemenses for years to come.”
Before the CHOOSE Act, the Siemens children were enrolled at three different schools. Gabriel had been in a small private school, Remington and Annalise in two separate public schools. For Brady, who works in sales, and Hannah, a medical assistant at a hospital, that meant roughly two hours of daily driving.
Now, all three attend Northside Methodist Academy. Hannah said she respected the Alabama public schools her younger two had attended, but deeply desired to have all her children on the same campus. She wanted them “on one team.”
Hannah Siemens encouraged other Alabama parents to try the program. “100 percent do it! I have told so many people about this. A friend that is a single mom said this is something that changed her life.”
She also talked about how each child is different: Gabriel is active in school sports; Remington enjoys math and Boy Scouts; Annalise likes to dance and read. Hannah said she feels optimistic for their future, especially now that they can share a school and benefit from the options CHOOSE gives them.
She added, “This is an amazing opportunity for taxpayers. I’m way more optimistic for my children’s future, and I am proud to give them a great start to life. With the CHOOSE Act helping my children receive a personalized education, I believe they can achieve college and more.”
The Siemens aren’t alone. Since the CHOOSE Act applications opened in January 2025, 36,873 students across every county in Alabama applied. Of those, more than 23,000 students have been approved. The State has committed over $124 million in ESAs supporting the program.
- Families with students at participating schools may receive $7,000 per eligible student.
- Families who homeschool may receive $2,000 per student, up to $4,000 per family.
The program is administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR). It gives priority first to students with special needs, then to dependents of active-duty service members in priority zones, and then by families whose income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
The Siemens family’s experience is one example of how many families are being affected: reducing long drives, unifying siblings in one school, and giving parents more say in their children’s education.
For more information, visit www.chooseact.alabama.gov, which has program information such as a Parent Guide, a Program FAQ and a list of approved education service providers.
The CHOOSE Act’s application period for the next school year (2026-2027) begins in January 2026.
