Last verified: October 2026
Does Alabama license church schools?
No. A school run as a ministry of a local church, group of churches or denomination is exempt from the annual October 10 private-school registration that other private schools file. Parents file enrollment and attendance documentation with the local superintendent on a state form.
Can a new church school take CHOOSE Act money right away?
Only once it is accredited or in the accreditation process with a body the law names (a regional accreditor, NCPSA, Cognia, AACS, ACEA, AISA or a partner agency) and ALDOR approves it as a participating school. ALDOR takes applications year-round.
What revenue does the ESA bring a small school?
Up to $7,000 per enrolled participating student per year, billed through ClassWallet on a weekly, monthly or quarterly schedule the school sets. Families still pay excluded fees such as uniforms, athletics and field trips.
What should the congregation plan for first?
Grades and size, a building that meets fire and building codes, background checks for staff with unsupervised access to children, an attendance register, and an accreditation timeline, because accreditation decides when ESA families can enroll.
Church school vs CHOOSE participating school
| Any Alabama church school | CHOOSE Act participating school |
|---|---|
| No state registration | Approved by ALDOR |
| Accreditation optional | Accredited or in process |
| Families pay privately | Families can pay with a $7,000 ESA |