alabama choose act

Eligible families can receive $7,000 per participating student who is enrolled at Southern Preparatory Academy. Participating families will be able to renew at the end of each school year, with priority given to families that have already participated. 

• K-12 students who live in Alabama.
• Family income dose not exceed 300% of the poverty level (gross income minus any deductions.) 
• Priority given to:
  • 1. Special needs students (first 500) 
  • 2. Prior year recipients 
  • 3. Dependents of active-duty service members in priority schools 
  • 4. Remaining students by income 
• Starting 2027, income cap is removed – all parents may apply. 

Number of persons in family or household to allowable income: 

One – $45,180
Two – $61,320
Three – $77,460
Four – $93,600 
Five – $109,740
Six – $125,880
Seven – $142,020
Eight – $158,160

• Tuition 
• Textbooks
• Curriculum
• Instructional materials
• Tutoring
• Online learning
• Standardized test fees
• After-school programs
• Summer programs
• Services for students with disabilities 

Field trips, athletics, food, uniforms, child care, and reimbursements are NOT considered qualified expenses.

Based on the timeline for the 2025-2026 application*

• Applications open: January 2026
• Deadline: Spring 2026 (around April) 
• Awards announced: May 2026
• Funds available: July 2026

You will need the following to apply:

• Student birth certificate
• Proof of Alabama residency – includes documentation that matches the physical address listed on the application. Examples include a recent tax return, state driver’s license, state issued ID, utility bill, voter registration card, mortgage statement, rental or lease agreement.
• Proof of income – includes documentation such as the most recent federal or state tax return record, Form W-2 or 1099, Social Security statement, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits statement.

• ESA funds are managed through ClassWallet – no reimbursements. 
• Renewal is required annually. 
• Unused funds return to the state if a student exits the program.