MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey is highlighting an Alabama military veteran and mother whose daughter is attending a private school through the state’s CHOOSE Act education savings account program.
According to the governor’s office, Shalice Washington, a U.S. veteran and full-time college student, is using the program to help provide educational opportunities for her daughter, Kimora Washington, a first-grader at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery.
“Ms. Washington has served our country, is continuing her own education and is working every day to give her daughter the best possible foundation for life,” said Governor Ivey. “That kind of dedication to building a better future is something to admire, and it is what an education savings account can help make possible for families. I am proud the CHOOSE Act is helping the Washingtons make the education choices that best fit their family’s needs.”
Washington is pursuing an undergraduate degree in health information management while raising her daughter. According to the governor’s office, she maintains a GPA near 4.0.
Washington said the CHOOSE Act has helped her family financially and provided opportunities that otherwise may not have been possible.
“The CHOOSE Act has been so helpful to me and my family. I am very grateful to Governor Ivey for creating this opportunity. It really means a lot to us.”
According to the governor’s office, Kimora has made progress since enrolling at Trinity Presbyterian School and is now performing ahead in reading and math. Her favorite subject is art, and she enjoys dressing up and spending time with her mother.
Washington encouraged other Alabama parents to explore the opportunities available through the program.
“If you want a better education for your children, definitely look into applying. Do your research and see what options are available because you never know what opportunities may be out there. For our family, the CHOOSE Act made it possible for my daughter to attend Trinity, a school that otherwise would not have been an option long term.”
Suzanne Satcher, head of Trinity Presbyterian School, also spoke about the program’s impact on families.
“At Trinity, we believe every family should have the opportunity to choose an educational environment that reflects their values. The CHOOSE Act is making that possible for more Alabama families,” said Satcher. “We are especially grateful for Ms. Washington and her years of service to our country, which beautifully reflects one of Trinity’s core values, service. We are honored that she has chosen Trinity and grateful for the opportunity to partner with her in providing Kimora an education rooted in biblical truth, academic excellence and a commitment to serving God and others.”
Thousands of Alabama Students Using CHOOSE Act
According to the governor’s office, 34,322 eligible students are currently using CHOOSE Act funds to cover approved educational expenses.
The program provides education savings accounts to help eligible K-12 students pay for tuition, textbooks, school supplies, tutoring, educational software and other approved expenses.
State officials reported a record 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students for the 2026-27 academic year.
For the current school year, new applicants were required to have a family adjusted gross income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, the program will be open to Alabama families regardless of income, although funding priorities will still apply.
Applications for the 2027-28 school year will open Jan. 4, 2027, and close March 31, 2027.
Families interested in learning more about eligibility, applications and approved educational expenses can visit chooseact.alabama.gov.
Image Source – Govorner Kay Ivey’s Office
