BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Starting in January, families in Alabama will have more options when it comes to their children’s education. With the “Choose Act” going into effect next school year, more families will be able to send their children to private schools using state-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).
Beginning January 2, families can apply for up to $7,000 per child to help cover private school tuition, thanks to the new school choice legislation passed earlier this year.
For now, the program is limited to certain groups. The first 500 ESAs will be reserved for students with disabilities and their siblings. Next, priority goes to children of active-duty military service members.
Families who meet income requirements can also apply. According to Shelby Doyle, Vice President of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the eligibility threshold is tied to federal poverty guidelines.
“Families that are at 300% or below the federal poverty level, which would be for a family …