Alabama’s CHOOSE Act Sees Applications Surge

Alabama’s education savings account program — the CHOOSE Act — had a record number of applicants in its second year according to a press release from the Governor's Office. Almost 49,000 students applied by the March 31st deadline. Eligible students can receive up to $7,000 per year.

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“The CHOOSE Act has changed the lives of thousands of Alabama families by enabling them to choose schools that best align with their priorities and their child’s specific needs,” Ivey was quoted as saying for the press release. “The increase in applications for the upcoming school year shows that the people of Alabama want school choice, and I am proud that we are able to give it to them!”

Not everyone in Alabama is happy. Supporters of public schools point out the 2024 legislative enacted program redirects at least $100 million annually from the Education Trust Fund to create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for private school tuition, homeschooling, and tutoring. The program, which started with $100 million in year one and is expanding to $250 million by 2027-28, is criticized for diverting public funds, while supporters argue it empowers parental choice. 

Thousands of students in every grade level (from entering Kindergarten to the 12^th grade) have applied. The governor's press release broke down the applicant demographics:

• Applicants identified as 66.3% White and 33.7% identified as Minority.
• For the second year in a row, there was an almost even split in genders: 24,305 total females applied. Of these, 9,480 were renewals and 14,825 were new. Similarly, 24,611 males applied with 9,458 renewals and 15,153 new applications received.
• Additionally, students with special needs totalled 5,115 with 1,973 renewals and 3,142 new applications received.
• Active-duty military families living in a priority school district submitted a total of 1,121 applications, including 356 renewal and 765 new family applications.

Families will be notified mid-April of their funding approval and Alabama students can begin using their CHOOSE Act Alabama ESA for approved expenses starting in July.