Governor Kay Ivey on Monday reminded Alabama families that the renewal and new application period for the CHOOSE Act school choice program for the 2026-27 school year closes at midnight Tuesday, March 31.
Families participating in the CHOOSE Act during the 2025-26 school year are eligible to continue in 2026-27, but they must complete a renewal application by March 31.
Families that did not apply for the 2025-26 school year or were not awarded funding also may apply for the 2026-27 school year through the new application link on the CHOOSE Act website. Applications must be completed by March 31.
Ivey said thousands of students and families across the state have used the CHOOSE Act. With the Legislature recently providing additional funding for the program, she encouraged eligible families who are not yet participating 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,” Ivey said. “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. The funding can help pay for school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers, or ESPs.
Funding includes:
- $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
Alabama families must renew or apply by March 31 through the CHOOSE Act website. The site includes eligibility information, frequently asked questions and detailed guides for parents and ESPs.
The Alabama Department of Revenue manages the CHOOSE Act. The program provided education savings account, or ESA, funding for students in every county last year. Families approved for 2026-27 funding will be notified in April, and participating students can begin using ESA funds for approved expenses in July.
