PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WDNews) — According to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office, an Alabama family is sharing how the state’s CHOOSE Act helped three of their children attend a school they say better fits their needs.
John and Cecily Yearby have five children. Three of their school-age children — Josiah, Jaci and Jeremiah — attended The Rock Academy with support from the CHOOSE Act during the 2025-26 school year. The family successfully renewed its application for the 2026-27 school year.
“For a family who has tried several educational avenues for their children, the Yearbys, with support from the CHOOSE Act, now have the opportunity to select a learning environment where each of their children can succeed,” Ivey said. “The Yearby family is one of many that has seen a remarkable difference in their children. It is wonderful to hear that they are thriving in an environment that can support their individual needs.”
According to the governor’s office, Josiah receives help through The Rock Academy’s special needs program. The family said Jeremiah is now eager to attend school, while Jaci thanked Ivey for giving her and her siblings the opportunity to attend a school they enjoy.
Cecily Yearby encouraged other Alabama parents to consider the program.
“There is nothing to lose from trying something different, so why not apply? If you are looking for another option, the CHOOSE Act provides more opportunities that many families do not know about. Learning environments make a big difference, and I have seen that my children are progressing more now than they ever have,” Yearby said.
The family said it previously tried public school and a virtual learning program before choosing The Rock Academy.
“We are just thankful. The environment they create at the school helps the kids want to be there and learn. The CHOOSE Act program has been a blessing to our family, and I believe that it can be a blessing for so many others,” Cecily Yearby said.
The CHOOSE Act provides education savings accounts, or ESAs, that eligible families can use for approved K-12 education costs. Those expenses can include tuition, fees, curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and some tutoring costs.
The Rock Academy Head of School Christy Marchetti said the program has helped families who otherwise may not have been able to afford private education.
“The Rock Academy is grateful to Governor Kay Ivey for her leadership in passing the CHOOSE Act and expanding educational opportunities for Alabama families,” Marchetti said. “Our school is not a typical private school, as 81% of our students receive financial support and 23% have identified learning differences. This legislation has allowed families who never thought they could afford private education to choose a learning environment that better meets their child’s needs. Educational opportunity should not be limited by income, ZIP code or a student’s learning challenges. We have seen firsthand how the CHOOSE Act has given families hope, options and access to individualized support. We sincerely thank Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for helping more children find a school where they can thrive.”
According to the governor’s office, 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students were submitted for the 2026-27 school year. More than 34,000 students were approved to begin using CHOOSE Act funds July 1. The approved ESAs totaled more than $174 million.
For the 2026-27 school year, new applicants were subject to an income limit of 300% of the federal poverty level. Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, the program is set to become available to Alabama families regardless of income.
The program will continue to give priority to certain students, including those with special needs, current participants and their siblings, and qualifying dependents of active-duty service members.
