Alabama Homeschool Funding
CHOOSE Act ESA details, eligibility, and application timelines for Alabama.
AL
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: CHOOSE Act — Education Savings Account (ESA)
Admin: Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR); funds are spent through ClassWallet
Typical award
Amount (2025–26): $2,000 per homeschool student (family cap $4,000) or $7,000 per student at a participating school
Disbursement: Prepaid ESA balance inside ClassWallet; no reimbursements
Who qualifies
- Residency: Student resides in Alabama
- Age/grade: K–12 (state age cutoffs apply for kindergarten)
- Income (2025–26): Household AGI ≤ 300% of the federal poverty level
- Priority: First 500 ESAs for students with special needs; priority also for siblings of participants and dependents of active-duty service members zoned to “priority” schools
- Program exclusivity: A student cannot receive an AAA (SGO) scholarship and a CHOOSE ESA simultaneously
Timeline (2025–26)
- Application window: Opened early Jan; closed April 7, 2025
- Award notifications: Began May 2025
- Funds available in ClassWallet: July 1, 2025
Overview
Alabama’s CHOOSE Act provides an ESA that families spend through ClassWallet on qualified educational items and services (curriculum, tutoring, assessments, certain technology, and more). For 2025–26, homeschool students can receive $2,000 each (family cap $4,000), while students in participating schools can receive $7,000. Purchases must be made inside ClassWallet; reimbursements are not allowed.
Programs
CHOOSE Act ESA
- Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
- Award (2025–26): $2,000 per homeschool student (max $4,000 per family) or $7,000 for students enrolled at participating schools
- Uses (examples): Tuition/fees, curriculum & instructional materials, tutoring/therapies, standardized tests, approved technology, uniforms, certain transportation
- Admin: Alabama Department of Revenue; spending via ClassWallet
Alabama Accountability Act (AAA) — Tax Credit Scholarships
- Type: Scholarship via Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs)
- Use case: Private school tuition for eligible low-income students
- Note: Cannot be used at the same time as a CHOOSE ESA
- Admin: SGOs overseen by ALDOR
Eligibility
- Residency: Student resides in Alabama
- Age/grade: K–12; kindergarteners must meet state age cutoffs
- Income (2025–26): Household AGI ≤ 300% FPL
- Priorities: Students with special needs (first 500), siblings of participants, and dependents of active-duty military zoned to priority schools
- Exclusivity: No concurrent AAA (SGO) scholarship with a CHOOSE ESA
How to apply
- Open the CHOOSE Act site and create/log in to your family account.
- Complete the student application for the school year and upload required documents (residency, ID/age, income verification, and any IEP/504 if applicable).
- After approval, accept the affidavit and activate ClassWallet.
- Select approved Education Service Providers (ESPs) or a participating school and place orders inside ClassWallet.
Covered expenses
- Tuition & fees at participating schools
- Textbooks & curriculum (approved subjects)
- Tutoring & approved instructional services (ESPs)
- Special education therapies (licensed providers)
- Standardized & nationally recognized tests
- Educational software & online courses (approved)
- Certain technology devices & accessories (within program limits)
- Uniforms & allowable fees (lab/exam/activity/technology)
- Transportation (as allowed)
- All purchases must be made in ClassWallet; reimbursements are not permitted.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application window | Closed Apr 7, 2025 | Annual; check portal for the next cycle |
| Award notifications | May 2025 | Sent via email |
| Funds available | Jul 1, 2025 | Deposited to ClassWallet |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Can funds cover extracurriculars?
Some enrichment expenses are eligible when they fit an approved category and are purchased through an approved provider in ClassWallet. Always confirm the category and vendor before purchasing.
How long do purchases take to approve?
Processing varies by item/provider. You’ll receive email confirmations for submitted orders. Reimbursements are not allowed—everything must be purchased inside ClassWallet.
Can I have an AAA scholarship and a CHOOSE ESA?
No. State rules prohibit receiving both at the same time. You must choose one program.
Can homeschoolers use ESA funds?
Yes. Homeschool students may receive up to $2,000 per student (family cap $4,000) for eligible expenses purchased in ClassWallet.
Contacts
Program support (ClassWallet)
Email: help@classwallet.com
Phone: 877-969-5536
Mon–Fri 7am–7pm CT; Sat 9am–3pm CT
Alabama Department of Revenue
Law & regulations
- CHOOSE Act statute (PDF) — ESA framework, eligibility, and program rules
- Administrative Code: CHOOSE Act (Chapter 810-28-1) — implementing guidance
- Alabama Accountability Act (AAA) — tax-credit scholarships via SGOs