MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced new application dates and updated resources for Alabama families preparing to participate in the CHOOSE Act education savings account (ESA) program for the 2026–2027 school year.
According to the governor’s office, updated information — including eligibility guidelines, application links, FAQs, and provider resources — is now available on the program’s website at chooseact.alabama.gov.
The application portal for renewing families will open Dec. 15, 2025, while the portal for new families will open Jan. 2, 2026. Both will close March 31, with award notifications scheduled for April 15, 2026.
“The CHOOSE Act is a great success for real Alabama families and our state’s continued educational growth,” Ivey said. “I am excited for even more Alabama parents to have a greater voice in their children’s education, and I urge parents to apply and choose the education that best suits their children.”
Ivey has recently highlighted families across the state benefiting from the program, including the McDades and Walkers of Montgomery, the Siemenses of Dothan and the Carbonells of Birmingham.
The CHOOSE Act — formally the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024 — provides refundable income tax credits known as ESAs to help support eligible K5–12 students. Funds can be used for tuition, tutoring, therapies and other approved education expenses.
ESA funding levels include:
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$7,000 per participating student enrolled in a participating school
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$2,000 per participating student in a home-education program (capped at $4,000 per family)
For 2026–2027, new applicants must have an adjusted gross income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Beginning in 2027–2028, income limits will be removed, making the program available to all families.
Priority will be given to students with special needs, current ESA participants and their siblings, and dependents of active-duty service members assigned to priority schools. Remaining awards will be distributed based on family income.
More information and application resources are available at chooseact.alabama.gov.
