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Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA: $7,000 Toward Military School

Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA provides $7,000 per student toward private school tuition, including military school. Eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.

Published February 1, 2024

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Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA Program

Alabama's CHOOSE Act (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students' Education), launched in 2024, provides eligible K5-12 students with Education Savings Accounts — refundable income tax credits worth $7,000 per student at participating private schools. For families considering the state's private military school, those funds can go toward tuition.

What Is the CHOOSE Act?

The CHOOSE Act provides eligible Alabama families with ESA funds that can be used for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition. Before planning around these funds, families should verify their eligibility and confirm that their chosen school participates in the program.

Eligible Expenses

ESA funds can be used for:

  • Private school tuition and fees
  • Textbooks and instructional materials
  • Tutoring services
  • Educational therapy
  • Transportation to school (up to certain limits)

Can You Use ESA Funds for Military School?

Alabama's private military school, Southern Preparatory Academy in Camp Hill (grades 7-12, day and boarding), may be eligible under the CHOOSE Act. Families should contact both the CHOOSE Act program and the school directly to confirm participation and current eligibility requirements.

ESA Amounts

  • $7,000 per student for participating private schools
  • $2,000 per student for homeschool (max $4,000 per family)

Eligibility Requirements

For 2026-2027: Household income cannot exceed 300% of the federal poverty level (based on 2025 tax year).

For 2027-2028 and beyond: The income requirement is removed—all Alabama K5-12 students become eligible.

Application Timeline: Applications open in the winter for the following school year. The renewal portal for returning ESA families typically opens in mid-December, the portal for new families in early January, and both close at the end of March. Because the exact dates shift year to year, confirm the current window before you plan around it.

For current requirements, exact dates, and to apply, visit chooseact.alabama.gov.

Other Alabama Options

In addition to the CHOOSE Act, Alabama families have other funding tools:

  • 529 Plans: Alabama's CollegeCounts 529 can be used for K-12 private tuition — up to $20,000 per year as of 2026, raised from $10,000 by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
  • Marion Military Institute: Alabama's public military junior college charges $8,292 in tuition and fees for in-state cadets (2026-27), or about $18,200 in total cost including room, board, uniforms, and books — roughly half what private military boarding schools cost. Note that MMI is a two-year college, not a K-12 option, and ESA funds do not apply to it

Key Takeaways

  1. The CHOOSE Act ESA is a new tool for Alabama families seeking private school options
  2. Southern Preparatory Academy may be eligible for ESA funds — confirm participation with the school
  3. Combine ESA with 529 funds for maximum benefit
  4. Marion Military Institute offers an affordable public alternative for post-high school students

Next Steps

Browse all military schools in Alabama. Learn how to evaluate military schools before applying. Understand military school costs and funding options beyond the CHOOSE Act.