Greensboro Family Taking Advantage Of CHOOSE ACT
As the school year end approaches, Gov. kay Ivey continues to promote the CHOOSE ACT by using a Greensboro family to put a face to the families that are participating in the controversial program. The Act, signed into law by Ivey in 2024, provides Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) of up to $7,000 for private school tuition or $2,000 for homeschooling to eligible K-12 students.
The act has proven to be popular. It closed the 2026-27 application cycle with nearly 49,000 students applying. Families began being notified of their award status in mid-April, and eligible students may begin using their CHOOSE Act funds for approved educational expenses starting July 1, 2026.
Proponents point to the act as giving families more choice in the children's schooling. Opponents criticize it, primarily because it diverts hundreds of millions in public education funds to private and home schooling. They argue it undermines public schools, lacks accountability because they are private institutions, and may disproportionately benefit wealthier families.
Public school supporters also claim private schools may not serve all students, such as those with special needs and may not have the same standards as public schools.
Alabama is not alone it supporting school choice. Nationally, over 1 million K-12 students are utilizing public funds for private education, with participation in such programs jumping 25% in just one year. More than 12 states have passed universal, or near-universal, "education freedom" programs, allowing families to use public funds for various education alternatives.
In a press release, Ivey introduced a West Alabama family with three children that is taking advantage of the ESA. Eric and Autumn Harrison's two oldest children, Scarlett and Henleigh, are currently supported by the CHOOSE Act while Josie will also be supported starting with the 2026-27 round of funding, as she enters K5. All three girls are enrolled at Southern Academy in Greensboro.
“Alabama parents work hard every day to provide the very best for their children, and they deserve the opportunity to choose an educational setting that fits their needs, whether that means a smaller, close-knit environment or more individualized, one-on-one attention in the classroom,” the governor said in the release. “I am proud to support programs that empower our families and put Alabama students first.”
Eric has a heating and cooling business, while Autumn serves as the Hale County Animal Shelter Director. They believe the program is vital to families like theirs. “Governor Ivey got it right with this one." Autumn is quoted as saying. "Just having the option to choose the education we prefer for our girls has been life changing.”
Participants must be an Alabama resident, K5-12 student, with a household income not exceeding 300% of the 2025 federal poverty level. The CHOOSE Act website provides Alabama families with the latest information about the program.
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