Alabama, one of 12 states that offers universal school choice, also passed a school expansion program that goes into effect this fall, providing up to $7,000 annually per student for families who want an alternative to public schools.
More than 23,000 students have been approved to receive public funds for use at private schools this fall, as Alabama has officially rolled out its new school choice initiative under the CHOOSE Act.
Formally titled the “Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education (CHOOSE) Act,” the program allows families to apply for up to $7,000 per student in education savings accounts (ESAs). These funds may be used for private school tuition, approved homeschool expenses, or other qualifying education services. The funds became available July 1 and will be managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue.
“Our CHOOSE Act education saving accounts are officially ready to support thousands of Alabama families and students with their unique educational needs,” Gov. Kay Ivey, R, said in a statement. “In just the first year, our state’s ESA program is incredibly popular, providing opportunity, flexibility and choice when it comes to our children’s education. I am excited to see the program in action this year.”
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), which advocated for Alabama’s law, celebrated its passage as a win for parents and students.
“Every American student deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education,” said Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of AFPI.
According to state officials, applications came in from families across all grade levels and from a wide range of school situations. The initial approval covers “just over 23,000” students, slightly fewer than earlier estimates released by the Department of Revenue, which is responsible for administering the ESA accounts.
Families had until June 30 to submit proof of enrollment in a qualifying private school or home education program. A department spokesperson said the final enrollment count was affected by “various other reasons,” though no details were provided.
The ESA program marks a significant expansion of school choice in Alabama, where nearly 720,000 students are currently enrolled in public schools. A large portion of ESA approvals came from families with children already attending private schools, many of whom intend to remain enrolled.
Under the CHOOSE Act, participating families can use the ESA funds for tuition, textbooks, curricula, special education services, testing, tutoring, and other approved expenses. Parents must apply annually for continued participation.
Signed into law in March 2024, the CHOOSE Act was modeled after similar legislation in other states, including Arizona and Florida, which have seen rising demand for education savings accounts. Alabama’s law prioritizes students from lower-income families and those with special education needs, though all families are eligible to apply under the broader guidelines established by the state.
Alabama joins a growing number of states that have implemented ESA programs as public debate over education quality, parental rights, and school choice intensifies nationwide.
Supporters of the CHOOSE Act argue the initiative empowers parents and provides children with access to education options that better suit their needs.
According to EdChoice, Alabama’s CHOOSE Act is one of the most expansive ESA programs. Nationally, nearly 1 million students across the country are eligible for similar programs, and demand continues to grow as more families seek flexibility in how and where their children learn.
Critics, however, argue that diverting public funds to private education undermines public schools, especially in rural or underserved areas where private alternatives may be limited. Some education advocates have also raised concerns about the long-term impact on public school funding and the oversight of private schools that receive state money.
To address these concerns, Alabama’s ESA law includes basic accountability measures. Participating private schools and education service providers are required to meet specific standards and are subject to periodic audits. Families are required to track expenditures through an online platform and may only use funds with state-approved vendors.
The program is capped at $124 million for the 2025-26 school year, although lawmakers could expand funding if demand continues to rise, as over 36,000 applications were received for this year. Ivey and Republican legislative leaders have indicated their support for future increases, citing parental demand and widespread interest in alternatives to traditional public education. Families interested in the program must reapply annually and meet ongoing eligibility requirements.
“Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed,” Ivey said. “Whether that’s in a public school, a private classroom, or a homeschool program, the CHOOSE Act is about trusting parents to make the best decision for their child’s future.”
To date, 12 states have passed universal school choice legislation. Alabama is among the 22 additional states that have passed school choice expansion bills.
The CHOOSE Act represents more than just a policy victory. The law affirms the biblical principle that parents, not government systems, are ultimately responsible for their children’s education and formation.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse entrusts parents with the sacred duty to guide their children in truth, wisdom, and righteousness.
Alabama’s school choice expansion honors that responsibility by offering parents the freedom to choose the best educational setting for their child, including Christian private schools.
In a culture increasingly hostile to biblical values, the ability to direct our children’s education is a necessity. The CHOOSE Act provides Christian families with practical means to protect their children from harmful ideologies, foster a Christ-centered worldview, and invest in academic excellence without incurring financial penalties. As the culture shifts, Christian parents must remain committed to raising up the next generation of believers who are equipped both spiritually and academically.
Rather than undermining public education, the CHOOSE Act introduces healthy competition and encourages all schools to serve students better. Most importantly, it affirms that children are not the property of the state but are gifts from God, entrusted to their families.
Parents and churches should celebrate this law, advocate for its expansion, and continue discipling children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Educational freedom is a tool we must steward faithfully for the good of our children and the glory of God.
Many K-12 schools now embrace the secular woke agenda and are hostile to Christian beliefs and parental rights. Fortunately, parents don’t have to settle for this. Liberty University Online Academy is a K-12 program designed to educate your children in the ways of the Lord while preparing them to stand firm in their faith when they graduate. Our flexible online curriculum ensures that your student is trained at your convenience and keeps YOU the ultimate educator of your children.
