Alabama Families Can Apply for $7,000 Educational Funding for 2026
Alabama families have the opportunity to apply for funding under the CHOOSE Act, which offers up to $7,000 for private school or home school expenses for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aims to support families seeking alternatives to traditional public education.
In the previous year, approximately 20,000 students received a total of $100 million in state funding. Most of these students were already enrolled in private schools. As part of the program, private schools and educational service providers must apply to the state to accept CHOOSE Act funding. A list of participating institutions is available on the state’s official website.
The funding is structured as an Education Savings Account (ESA), which serves as a refundable tax credit. Families can utilize the funds for various educational expenses, including tuition, tutoring, and educational therapies. For students engaged in home education, an amount of $2,000 per student is allocated.
Eligibility for the program extends to new families with an adjusted gross income of up to 300% of the federal poverty level from the previous tax year. For instance, in 2025, this threshold for a family of four was set at a household income of $96,425.
The application process for the 2026-2027 academic year will commence in phases. The portal for renewing families will open on December 15, 2025, while new families can start applying from January 2, 2026. Both portals will close on March 31, 2026, and award notifications are expected to be sent out by April 15, 2026.
The CHOOSE Act reflects Alabama’s commitment to providing educational options for families who prefer alternatives to their zoned public schools. Ruth Serven Smith, a senior managing producer at AL.com, has played a significant role in promoting educational initiatives, having founded The Alabama Education Lab team in 2021.
As Alabama families prepare for the upcoming academic year, the CHOOSE Act offers a significant financial resource aimed at enhancing educational flexibility and choice.
