Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, qualifying students who enroll in or currently attend a Diocese of Birmingham Catholic school can receive up to $7,000 a year for tuition, certain fees, and other eligible expenses through an Educational Savings Account (ESA) provided by the CHOOSE Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey on March 7, 2024. The program makes refundable income tax credits called Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) available to support the success of eligible K-12 students in Alabama. An ESA can be used at approved Education Service Providers (ESPs) in Alabama.

Through these ESAs, families across Alabama will be empowered to build the stronger futures they want for their children and guide them to the joy-filled lives of purpose God intends for them, through greater access to a Catholic education. Working in conjunction with tax-credit scholarships through the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 and local financial assistance that varies by school, removing the financial barrier is closer to becoming a reality for families who desire a Catholic education in the Diocese of Birmingham.

To be eligible for an ESA in the 2025-2026 or the 2026-2027 school years, students must qualify for special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, be the dependent of active-duty service members who are zoned for a priority public school, or have a family adjusted gross income that does not exceed 300% of the poverty level. Qualification expands for the 2027-2028 school year.

Need more information?

The application window to apply for an ESA for the 2025-2026 school year opens on Jan. 2. To learn more about ESAs through the CHOOSE Act, please visit https://bhmdiocese.org/schools.