By type & community
High Schools (Grades 9-12) in Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby
4 high schools (grades 9-12) in Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby; 4 on the CHOOSE Act participating list. Shelby County beyond the 280 corridor: Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana, Montevallo and the Coosa side of the county.
Where this comes from. School details are from the NCES Private School Survey (2023-24, or 2021-22 where a school skipped the latest round). CHOOSE Act status is from the Alabama Department of Revenue participating-school list dated October 23, 2026, matched by name and city. Tuition is not published in either source, so confirm it with the school.
The $7,000 credit is the same in grade 12 as in K5, and the ESA can also pay approved dual-enrollment courses at in-state colleges.
| School | Type | Community | Grades | CHOOSE Act | Students (federal survey) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone Christian School 24975 Hwy 25, Columbiana 35051 | Christian Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-12 | ✓ Participating | 155 |
| Evangel Classical Christian School 423 Thompson Rd, Alabaster 35007 | Christian Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-12 | ✓ Participating | 287 |
| Gospel Light Baptist Academy 5781 Roy Dr, Helena 35080 | Christian Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-12 | ✓ Participating | 27 |
| The Hillsboro School 73 Elvira Rd, Helena 35080 | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-12 | ✓ Participating | 34 |
What a CHOOSE Act flag on a listing means
| It means | It doesn't mean |
|---|---|
| The school appears on ALDOR's participating list dated October 23, 2026 | Every applicant to that school will be awarded an ESA |
| The $7,000 ESA can pay its tuition and listed fees | The ESA covers uniforms, athletics or aftercare there |
| The school is accredited or in process, as ALDOR determined | We have verified the school's tuition or seats |
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