Alabama's School Choice Funds Face Spending Deadline

Millions in CHOOSE Act money still sit unused in family accounts as June 30 cutoff approaches.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:10pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful educational supplies and resources, conveying the mood of educational options and flexibility.As Alabama families struggle to fully utilize the state's school choice funds, the program's flexibility and accessibility remain key concerns.Montgomery Today

Millions of dollars set aside for Alabama's school choice program remain unused as a key spending deadline approaches. About $15.6 million in CHOOSE Act funding is still sitting in family ClassWallet accounts, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue. The state initially allocated $100 million for the program's first year and is now considering increasing that to $250 million by 2027-28.

Why it matters

The CHOOSE Act was designed to give families more educational options, but some parents report difficulty getting certain expenses approved. With the June 30 deadline looming, there are concerns that unspent funds could revert back to the state, limiting the program's impact.

The details

The CHOOSE Act funds were made available to more than 23,000 students, with each eligible for up to $7,000 in education savings accounts. Families can use the money for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, therapy and other approved educational services. However, state rules require the money to be spent through approved private schools or education service providers, limiting how some families can use the funds.

  • The state initially allocated $100 million for the program's first year.
  • The state is now considering increasing the CHOOSE Act funding to $250 million by 2027-28.
  • Families have until June 30 to spend the remaining $15.6 million balance.

The players

Alabama Department of Revenue

The state agency that oversees the CHOOSE Act funding and reports on the remaining balance.

Bailey Winters

A Pike County parent who homeschools two children and has struggled to access the full CHOOSE Act funds.

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What they’re saying

“'There's only so much paper and colored pencils that I need. If I have $2,000 to spend on resources, I want curriculum.'”

— Bailey Winters, Parent

What’s next

Officials say the state is considering increasing the CHOOSE Act funding to $250 million by 2027-28 to meet demand. Families have until June 30 to spend the remaining $15.6 million balance, or the unspent money will revert back to the state's CHOOSE Act fund.

The takeaway

The CHOOSE Act was designed to give Alabama families more educational options, but the program's strict spending rules and approaching deadline have left millions in funds unused. This raises questions about how to make the program more accessible and flexible for families, especially those looking to use the funds for homeschooling and other non-traditional educational expenses.