The Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Act (CHOOSE Act) has officially launched in Alabama, marking a significant milestone in the state’s education system. The program aims to provide funding for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other educational expenses for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Participating Schools
As of January 5, 2025:
- Over 165 private schools and 3 public schools have been approved.
- The Birmingham area leads with the highest number of participating schools, followed by Mobile and Huntsville.
- A complete list of participating schools is available on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s official website.
Overview of the CHOOSE Act
Administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), the CHOOSE Act provides Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) as refundable income tax credits for eligible K-12 students.
Key Benefits for Families:
- $7,000 per student for private school tuition or other educational services at approved providers.
- $2,000 per student for homeschooling (maximum of $4,000 per family).
These funds aim to ensure equitable access to quality education across Alabama.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, families must meet the following conditions:
- Residency:
- The student must be a resident of Alabama.
- Income Threshold:
- Household income must not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level:
| Family Size | Maximum Income (300% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $45,180 |
| 2 | $61,320 |
| 3 | $77,460 |
| 4 | $93,600 |
| 5 | $109,740 |
| 6 | $125,880 |
| 7 | $142,020 |
| 8 | $158,160 |
Application Status
As of early January, the program has received 5,256 applications for a total of 9,024 students, highlighting strong interest from families seeking improved educational opportunities.
How to Apply
Eligible families can:
- Visit the official Alabama Department of Revenue website.
- Access the complete list of participating schools and program details.
Empowering Alabama’s Education System
The CHOOSE Act represents a pivotal step in enhancing educational access and choice for Alabama families. With substantial funding support and broad participation from schools, the program seeks to foster a more equitable and student-centric education landscape.
