MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Alabama's school voucher-like program, the CHOOSE Act, now has its own website with information about the program.
Gov. Kay Ivey's office says the website has eligibility information, an online application, FAQs, important deadlines, and guides for parents and education service providers.
Applications are now open for ESPs. The family application process for the 2025-2026 school year opens Jan. 2, 2025, and will close April 7, 2025. Award notifications are scheduled to be sent out May 1, 2025.
The governor signed the CHOOSE Act into law in March.
The law, formally titled the Creating Hope & Opportunity for Our Students' Education Act, provides state funds through education savings accounts for eligible families for private school tuition, tutoring or transfer fees to move to another public school.
"Every Alabama student should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that meets their individual needs," Ivey said in a press release. "The CHOOSE Act is School Choice for a Strong Alabama - a wonderful opportunity for eligible families to receive assistance that will have a positive impact on their students' academic future and the future of our great state."
For the 2025-2026 school year, the program is open to families with an adjusted gross income not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year.
The governor's office says the program will prioritize students with special needs, with a secondary focus on students who are dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school.