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. 

• K5-12 students who live in Alabama.
• Family income does not exceed 300% of the poverty level (gross income minus any deductions) for the 2025 tax year.
• 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 
• To be eligible for the 2027-2028 academic year and beyond, the student must be in grades K5-12 and be a resident of Alabama. There will no longer be a household income requirement for eligibility.

• The renewal application portal will be available December 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026. Families will receive an email from ClassWallet that includes the renewal application link.
  • A renewing parent or guardian applicant is the parent of a participating student that received CHOOSE Act funds for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Application process for NEW students opens January 2, 2026. To complete the application, you will need: 1.) Student birth certificate; 2.) Proof of Alabama residency; 3.) Proof of income. 
  • A new parent or guardian applicant is one that has not previously applied for CHOOSE Act Alabama; or an applicant that applied for the 2025-2026 academic year but was either not awarded, or did not complete the award affidavit in ClassWallet.
• The deadline for ALL applicants, new or returning, is March 31, 2026. 
• Notification of award eligibility: April 15, 2026. 
• Proof of enrollment at an approved ESP must be submitted no later than June 30, 2026. 
• ESA funds will be distributed through ClassWallet on July 1, 2026. 
• ESA funds must be used for approved expenses between July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Unused funds will return to CHOOSE Act. 

1. Tuition and Fees at a participating school
   • Academic fee
   • Activity fee
   • Administration fee
   • Application fee
   • Book fee
   • Curriculum fee 
   • Enrollment, registration, and pre-registration fees
   • Fine arts fee
   • Library fee
   • Music fee
   • Programming fee
   • Resources fee
   • School fee
   • Science lab fee
   • Security fee
   • Student fee
   • Supply fee
   • Technology fee
   • Testing fee
   • Tuition 
2. Textbooks (K-12, in the following subject areas only): 
   • Mathematics 
   • English Language Arts (including phonics, grammar, reading and writing) 
   • Science (including computer science and engineering) 
   • Social Studies (including history, civics, and character education) 
   • Religion 
   • Art 
   • Music
   • Foreign Language 
3. Fees for after-school or summer education programs provided by a participating school (after-school program that is education-based and odes not include child care. The program must be within the academic year.) 
4. Curriculum and supplemental reading materials 
   • Reference books
   • Workbooks and flashcards
   • Supplemental reading materials associated with approved textbook subjects 

The following are NOT covered under CHOOSE Act funds: 

• Annual fee
• Athletic/sports fee
• Before and after school child care 
• Capital or building campaign 
• Child care 
• Commitment fee 
• Food 
• Field trip 
• Fundraising 
• Insurance 
• Late fee 
• Maintenance fee 
• Missed session/cancellation fee 
• PTO/PTA fee 
• School accreditation fee 
• Senior class/graduation fee 
• Transportation 
• Uniforms 

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. 
• Participating families are responsible for any costs associated with school attendance over and above the ESA balance. Please reach out to Southern Prep to discuss financial obligations.