Last verified: October 2026
Which accreditors count?
One of the six regional accrediting agencies or the National Council for Private School Accreditation, Cognia, the American Association of Christian Schools, the Alabama Christian Education Association, the Alabama Independent School Association, or one of their partner agencies.
Can a school apply while it is still being accredited?
Yes. The statute allows a school that is in the process of obtaining accreditation, as determined by ALDOR.
What obligations come with participation?
Annual testing of funded students with a standardized, norm-referenced or aptitude test, reporting results to parents, and following ALDOR's rules on invoicing and qualifying expenses.
How many local private schools have made it?
66 of the 102 private schools in our Jefferson and Shelby directory are on the October 23, 2026 participating list.
Before and after approval
| Before ALDOR approval | After approval |
|---|---|
| Families pay you privately | Families can pay from their ESA in ClassWallet |
| Not on the state list | Listed on ALDOR's participating or ESP list |