So, the school choice landscape in Alabama just got a massive facelift. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching the local news lately, you’ve probably heard about the CHOOSE Act. It stands for "Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students' Education," but honestly, most people just call it the school voucher law or the ESA program.
Basically, the state is handing out Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). We’re talking about $7,000 for private school students and up to $2,000 for homeschoolers. That’s a lot of cash. But here’s the kicker: you can’t just use that money anywhere. You have to find choose act alabama participating schools that have actually signed up with the Department of Revenue.
It’s not just about picking a school and sending a bill. The school has to be an approved "Education Service Provider" (ESP). If they aren't on the list, the money stays in the state's pocket, not yours.
Which Schools Are Actually on the List?
Right now, there are over 240 private schools across the state that have jumped on board. It’s a mix of everything—Catholic schools, Christian academies, Montessori programs, and even some specialized schools for kids with dyslexia or other learning needs.
Some big names you’ll recognize include Alabama Christian Academy in Montgomery and Briarwood Christian in Birmingham. Down on the coast, you’ve got Bayside Academy in Daphne and Mobile Christian School. Even smaller towns are getting in on it; places like Abbeville Christian Academy or Chambers Academy in LaFayette are fully participating.
A Quick Snapshot of Where the Students are Going
The numbers are starting to trickle in, and they’re pretty wild. In some schools, a huge chunk of the student body is now funded by these ESAs.
Take Dyslexia Services of Baldwin County in Robertsdale. Recent data showed that nearly 80% of their students are using CHOOSE Act funds. Then you have First Assembly Christian School in Ashland and St. James Catholic School in Gadsden, where about half the kids are on the program.
It’s clearly changing the math for these schools.
How Do You Find a School Near You?
You don't want to just guess. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) keeps the official, live list. It changes as more schools get their accreditation sorted out or finish the paperwork.
- Check the Official Portal: The main hub is chooseact.alabama.gov.
- The ClassWallet Map: Since the money is distributed through a digital wallet called ClassWallet, they have a searchable directory of providers.
- Ask the Principal: Seriously. If you have a school in mind, just call them. They usually know exactly where they stand in the approval process.
Keep in mind, a school must be accredited (or in the process of becoming accredited) to qualify. If it’s just a neighborhood learning center without those credentials, it’s a no-go for the $7,000 credit.
Eligibility is Kinda Complicated (For Now)
For the 2026-2027 school year, we’re still in the "priority phase." This means not everyone gets a piece of the pie just yet. You basically have to meet one of these markers:
- Your family income is below 300% of the federal poverty level (that’s roughly $93,600 for a family of four).
- Your child has special needs (with an IEP or 504 plan).
- You’re active-duty military and zoned for a "priority" (D or F rated) public school.
- You already had an ESA last year—current participants get first dibs on renewals.
But wait. Everything changes in 2027. That is when the "universal" part kicks in. At that point, any Alabama resident can apply regardless of how much money they make. It’s going to be a first-come, first-served situation then.
The "Invisible" Participating Schools: Online and Out-of-State
This is the part that surprises people. You aren't strictly limited to a brick-and-mortar building down the street. The list of choose act alabama participating schools actually includes a bunch of online academies.
We're talking about programs like Liberty University Online Academy, Enlightium Academy, and Pearson Online Academy. Even though they aren't physically in Alabama, if they are approved providers, you can use your ESA funds to pay their tuition. This is a game-changer for families in rural areas where the nearest private school might be an hour's drive away.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Money
You don't get a check in the mail. Don't go looking for a $7,000 deposit in your Wells Fargo account.
Everything runs through ClassWallet. It’s basically like a restricted PayPal account for education. When you buy books or pay tuition, you log in, select the participating school or vendor, and the state sends the money directly to them.
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And if you don't spend it all? It doesn't roll over to your retirement fund. Any leftover money at the end of the year goes back to the state's CHOOSE Act fund. Use it or lose it, basically.
Real Talk: The Risks and Nuances
Look, this isn't a perfect system. Public school advocates are worried it’s going to drain the Education Trust Fund. They argue that taking $100 million (the current minimum allocation) out of the budget will hurt the kids who stay in public schools.
On the flip side, private schools are having to deal with new rules. To be a participating school, they have to administer standardized tests to the ESA students. They also have to be "financially stable," which means the state is poking around their books. Some schools have actually opted out because they don't want the government oversight.
Also, private schools still have their own admission standards. Just because you have a $7,000 voucher doesn't mean the school has to accept your child. They can still turn students away based on grades, behavior, or their specific mission.
Your Next Practical Steps
If you're looking to jump on this for the next school year, the clock is ticking.
First, verify your school is on the list. Don't assume. Check the ALDOR PDF list which is updated regularly. If they aren't there, ask the administration if they plan to apply.
Second, get your docs in a row. You’ll need your 2025 tax returns, proof of residency (like a utility bill), and your kid’s birth certificate. If you’re claiming a special needs priority, have that IEP or 504 plan ready to upload.
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Third, apply early. The application window usually opens in early January and stays open until the end of March—or until the money runs out. With $100 million on the table, it sounds like a lot, but with thousands of families applying, that pot of gold disappears fast.
Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue CHOOSE Act page to start the process. Once you’re approved, you’ll get a welcome email from ClassWallet to set up your digital account and start directing those funds to your chosen school.