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Hoover Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama CHOOSE Act Sees Record Applicants in Second Year
Education savings account program provides funding for private schools and homeschooling
Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:49am
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A vibrant celebration of the growing school choice movement in Alabama, as the CHOOSE Act program sees record enrollment.Hoover TodayAlabama's education savings account program, known as the CHOOSE Act, drew a record number of nearly 49,000 applicants in its second year, according to Governor Kay Ivey. The program provides refundable tax credits of up to $7,000 for private school students and $2,000 for homeschool students, helping families cover the costs of alternative education options.
Why it matters
The CHOOSE Act reflects a growing trend in Alabama and nationwide towards greater school choice and customization in education. While some critics worry the program could divert funding from public schools, supporters argue it gives families more flexibility and control over their children's education.
The details
In its first year, the CHOOSE Act approved 23,206 students for education savings accounts, with more than 19,000 receiving the funding. The majority of students used the accounts for private school tuition, while over 7,000 were homeschooled. State Representative Danny Garrett, a sponsor of the legislation, says the act addresses a demand for more customization and choice in education.
- The CHOOSE Act went into effect in 2025.
- The application period for the 2026-2027 school year is now open, with a deadline of March 31st.
The players
Gov. Kay Ivey
The governor of Alabama who announced the record number of CHOOSE Act applicants.
Danny Garrett
A state representative who sponsored the CHOOSE Act legislation, which he says addresses a growing demand for education customization and choice.
Ryan Hollingsworth
The executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, who has closely followed the CHOOSE Act and expressed concerns about its potential impact on public school funding.
Joey, Beth, and Josh Bugg
A Hoover, Alabama family who turned to homeschooling and utilized the CHOOSE Act's education savings accounts to cover the costs.
Brittany Quinn
The administrator of the Hunter Homeschool Cooperative, a group of families in Hoover who have come together to support each other's homeschooling efforts.
What they’re saying
“Everything is about customization, flexibility and choice, and education is no different.”
— Danny Garrett, State Representative
“The legislation is a pretty nice improvement over some other things across the nation. In Alabama, we, the legislature, our leadership, and set up a separate account. So the ESSA actually comes out of the fund, not directly out of the education budget.”
— Ryan Hollingsworth, Executive Director, School Superintendents of Alabama
“We really felt a very strong peace from God to be like, this is this is the right thing for your family.”
— Joey Bugg, Parent
What’s next
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year of the CHOOSE Act is March 31st.
The takeaway
The CHOOSE Act's growing popularity in Alabama reflects a nationwide trend towards greater school choice and customization in education. While the program has raised some concerns about public school funding, supporters argue it empowers families to find the best educational fit for their children.
