Last verified: October 2026
When can a family that just moved to Alabama apply for the CHOOSE Act?
As soon as the family is an Alabama resident and the annual application window is open; for 2027-28 that is expected to start in January 2027. The 2026-27 window closed March 31, 2026, so a family arriving this fall generally looks to school aid or an SGO scholarship for the rest of this year.
Which parts of the metro have the most private schools?
Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby (13 schools, 8 on the CHOOSE list); Bessemer, Hueytown, Fairfield & McCalla (12 schools, 7 on the CHOOSE list); Gardendale, Forestdale, Pinson & North Jefferson (10 schools, 6 on the CHOOSE list). Every community page lists its schools with grades, affiliation and CHOOSE Act status.
Is anything different for military families?
Dependents of active-duty service members who are enrolled in or assigned to a D- or F-graded public school get priority in the CHOOSE Act line, ahead of income-based awards.
New-resident checklist: now vs January
| This fall | From January 2027 |
|---|---|
| School aid, SGO scholarships if eligible | CHOOSE Act 2027-28 application |
| Confirm residency documents | Apply for First Class Pre-K for a 4-year-old |