Gov. Ivey reminds Alabama families of CHOOSE Act renewal, new applicant deadline
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Special to the News
On Monday Gov. Kay Ivey reminded Alabama families that the renewal and new application period for the CHOOSE Act school choice program for the 2026-27 school year will close at midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
Current CHOOSE Act families: For a family participating in the CHOOSE Act for the 2025-26 school year, the student is eligible to continue for the 2026-27 school year, but a renewal application must be completed by March 31.
New families interested: Families who did not apply for the 2025-26 school year, or were not awarded, can also apply for the 2026-27 school year using the new application link found on the CHOOSE Act website. The application must be completed by March 31.
As a champion of the CHOOSE Act, Gov. Ivey has touted the thousands of students and families statewide whose lives have been enriched through school choice. And now, with recent help from the Legislature to provide more funding for the CHOOSE Act, Ivey is encouraging all eligible families who are not in the program yet to “get on the bus.”
“The CHOOSE Act is giving families across our state the opportunity to choose the education that best fits their children’s needs,” said Ivey. “With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, I encourage every eligible family to take advantage and submit their application or renewal. Don’t miss this opportunity – get your application in before March 31!”
Through the CHOOSE Act, eligible families can apply online for educational funding for the 2026-27 school year. This funding can help pay for school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers (ESPs).
Funding for eligible students includes:
- $7,000 per eligible student enrolled in a participating school
- $2,000 per participating student enrolled in a home education program (maximum of $4,000 per family)
Alabama families must renew or apply by March 31 through the CHOOSE Act website. The site has additional information and resources about the program, including eligibility information, FAQs and detailed guides for parents and ESPs.
Managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue, the CHOOSE Act was a rousing success last year, providing ESA funding for students in every county across the state. Once approved for 2026-27 funding, families will be notified in April, and participating students can begin using their ESA funds for approved expenses starting in July.
For more information, visit chooseact.alabama.gov.