Alabama’s CHOOSE Act Empowers Families, Opens doors for Students Like Charlie Perkins
Table of Contents
Alabama families are gaining greater control over their children’s education thanks to the state’s CHOOSE Act, a program providing education savings accounts (ESAs). Governor Kay Ivey recently highlighted the program’s success by featuring Charlie Perkins, a 4th-grade student at St. Dominic Catholic School in Mobile, and his grandmother, Susan Stacy, who are benefiting from the initiative.
expanding School Choice Across the State
Governor Ivey emphasized that the CHOOSE Act is designed to serve a diverse range of Alabama families. “Susan and Charlie are exactly what this program is about – putting faith, family and a child’s future first,” she stated. “Every parent or guardian should have the
She specifically sought a detailed, structured, and faith-based education, a preference Charlie shares.
Susan encouraged other alabama parents to explore the CHOOSE Act,acknowledging that the application process may initially seem daunting. “At first mention, I can see where the application process might seem overwhelming, I know I did, but don’t let that stop you!” she advised.”I was blown away – it is indeed readily available and easy to access,and it opened the door to choose the education that best fit Charlie and what he wanted.”
Charlie’s Passion for Learning
Charlie Perkins is described as a thoughtful, quick-witted, and kind student with a passion for learning and a creative spirit. He enjoys science and expresses his imagination through making comic books. Susan noted that the CHOOSE act enabled her to provide Charlie with a new educational setting he desired, something she wasn’t sure she could manage otherwise. “When Charlie mentioned that he wanted to go to a new school, I did not know how I was going to do it. With assistance from the CHOOSE Act,I was able to further invest in his education and give him that new habitat that he desired.”
Understanding the CHOOSE Act and Eligibility
The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits in the form of ESAs, which can be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified educational expenses at approved Education Service Providers (ESPs). since applications opened in January 2025, a total of 36,873 students from every county in Alabama have applied.
Funding levels are as follows:
- $7,000 per eligible student enrolled in a participating school
- $2,000 per participating student enrolled in a home education program (with a maximum of $4,000 per family)
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program is available to new families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level. The program will be universally accessible to all families, regardless of income, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Priority will be given to students with special needs, currently participating students and their siblings, and children of active-duty military personnel. Remaining funds will be allocated based on family AGI as a percentage of the federal poverty level.
Critically importent Dates and Resources
Applications for both new and renewing families are currently open, with a deadline of March 31, 2026. Eligible students will be notified of their award status on April 15, 2026, and verification of school enrollment must be submitted by June 30, 2026, to receive funding starting July 1, 2026.
Families can find comprehensive facts, including eligibility requirements, online applications, faqs, and guides for parents and ESPs, on the official CHOOSE Act website: chooseact.alabama.gov.
The CHOOSE Act represents a important step towards empowering Alabama families and ensuring that every child has access to an education that meets their individual needs and aspirations.
