MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – Alabama families approved for the CHOOSE Act’s Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can now begin using their funds for the 2025-2026 school year, Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday, July 1.
More than 23,000 students across the state have been approved to receive ESA funding. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) says over $124 million is being distributed to support school choice through the program’s first year.
Parents will receive a welcome email from ClassWallet, the program’s financial platform, around July 1 with access instructions and information on how to spend the funds.
The CHOOSE Act allows families to use the money on a range of approved educational services. Funds for school tuition, tutoring and educational therapies are provided through state-approved education service providers.
Approved families will receive:
- $7,000 per student enrolled in a participating private school
- $2,000 per homeschooled student, capped at $4,000 per family
“Our CHOOSE Act education saving accounts are officially ready to support thousands of Alabama families and students with their unique educational needs,” Gov. Ivey said. “In just the first year, our state’s ESA program is incredibly popular, providing opportunity, flexibility and choice when it comes to our children’s education.”
Since the application window opened in January 2025, more than 36,000 students from all 67 Alabama counties have applied. State officials say families should look for upcoming webinars and updates at www.chooseact.alabama.gov, which also features a Parent Guide, FAQs, and a list of approved providers.
Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open in January 2026.
