Montgomery, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Governor Kay Ivey is lauding the impactful achievements of Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, an education savings account program that has supported over 23,000 students since its launch. Families from Birmingham, Montgomery, and Dothan have reported positive experiences, enabling them to pursue quality education for their children. With applications opening for the next academic year in January 2026, the CHOOSE Act continues to increase educational options and provide financial support to families statewide.
Montgomery — Governor Kay Ivey is celebrating the success of Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, an education savings account program designed to support K-12 students statewide. Since its launch in January 2025, the program has garnered attention for its positive impact on families, with over 36,873 students applying and more than 23,000 students approved for funding, totaling over $124 million in education savings accounts (ESAs).
Success Stories Highlighted
Among those benefiting from the CHOOSE Act are three families from Birmingham, Montgomery, and Dothan. The Siemens family, with children in various grades, has found relief in the program by uniting their children’s education under one roof at Northside Methodist Academy. Previously, the Siemens children attended three different schools, presenting daily transportation challenges for parents Brady and Hannah Siemens.
The Carbonell family, newcomers to Alabama, values education and chose St. Rose Academy for all their school-age children. After financial difficulties threatened their ability to continue at the private institution, the CHOOSE Act provided the necessary support, allowing them to invest in learning tools for their five children.
Single mother Breauna McDade has also taken advantage of the CHOOSE Act. With three sons, she is transitioning her middle child from a public school to Valiant Cross Academy, emphasizing the critical importance of quality education for her children and encouraging other parents to apply for the program.
Key Details of the CHOOSE Act
The CHOOSE Act offers refundable income tax credits through education savings accounts for eligible K–12 students in Alabama. Families can utilize these funds toward tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers. The program aims to provide flexibility and financial support to families seeking quality education for their children.
Future Enrollment and Information
Applications for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year are set to open in January 2026, allowing more families to take advantage of the benefits provided by the CHOOSE Act. Comprehensive information about the program, including a Parent Guide and a list of approved education providers, can be accessed online.
Context on Education in Alabama
The CHOOSE Act represents a significant move towards increasing educational options for families in Alabama. As school choice gains popularity, initiatives like the CHOOSE Act enable parents to seek the best educational environments tailored to their children’s needs, free from excessive financial burdens. The engagement observed in the application process underscores a growing interest in educational alternatives across the state.
Conclusion
Governor Kay Ivey’s emphasis on the CHOOSE Act highlights the program’s potential to change lives through educational empowerment. With thousands already benefitting, it illustrates the demand for innovative educational funding solutions within Alabama.
FAQ Section
What is the CHOOSE Act?
The CHOOSE Act is an education savings account program designed to support K-12 students in Alabama, offering refundable income tax credits through education savings accounts.
When did the application process for the CHOOSE Act open?
The application process opened in January 2025.
How many students have applied for the CHOOSE Act?
A total of 36,873 students have applied for the CHOOSE Act.
How many students have been approved for funding this year?
Over 23,000 students have been approved for funding under the program this year.
How much funding has been approved for the CHOOSE Act?
The funding approved for the CHOOSE Act exceeds $124 million in education savings accounts.
When will applications for the 2026-2027 academic year open?
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will open in January 2026.
Where can families find more information about the CHOOSE Act?
More information about the CHOOSE Act can be found at www.chooseact.alabama.gov, including a Parent Guide and a list of approved education providers.
Key Features of the CHOOSE Act
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | January 2025 |
| Eligible Students | K-12 students in Alabama |
| Amount of Funding Approved | Exceeds $124 million |
| Total Applications | 36,873 students |
| Total Approved Students | Over 23,000 students |
| Future Application Date | January 2026 for 2026-2027 academic year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- 1819 News
- Google Search: CHOOSE Act Alabama
- Yellowhammer News
- Wikipedia: School Choice in the United States
- Montgomery Advertiser
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox10 News
- Google News: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
