Last verified: October 2026
What can't a CHOOSE Act ESA pay for?
The parent guide excludes these fees and items: annual, athletic, capital campaign, commitment, extracurricular, field-trip, fundraising, insurance, late, maintenance and pto/pta fees; child care, before- and after-care, food and transportation; uniforms, senior class and graduation fees, school accreditation fees; gaming items, tvs, smartboards, 3d printers, external speakers and hard drives.
CHOOSE Act ESA, enrolled ($7,000)Not payable
See the list below.
CHOOSE Act ESA, home education ($2,000)Not payable
Same exclusions.
Accountability Act SGO scholarshipNot payable
SGO awards are tuition-only.
What rules apply to what the esa won't pay for?
- If one item on an invoice is ineligible, the whole invoice is rejected and the money returns to the account.
- Handwritten documentation is not accepted.
- Unused money on June 30 returns to the CHOOSE Act Fund.
What counts and what doesn't
| Counts, under these rules | Doesn't count |
|---|---|
| If one item on an invoice is ineligible, the whole invoice is rejected and the money returns to the account. | Annual, athletic, capital campaign, commitment, extracurricular, field-trip, fundraising, insurance, late, maintenance and PTO/PTA fees |
| Handwritten documentation is not accepted. | Child care, before- and after-care, food and transportation |
| Unused money on June 30 returns to the CHOOSE Act Fund. | Uniforms, senior class and graduation fees, school accreditation fees |
| Gaming items, TVs, SMARTboards, 3D printers, external speakers and hard drives |
What does this look like in Jefferson and Shelby counties?
Budget these out of pocket, or ask the school whether its aid applies to them.
Source: ClassWallet, CHOOSE Act Alabama Parent Guide 2026-2027; CHOOSE Act (Act 2024-21). A summary, not legal advice; ALDOR's rules and ClassWallet's review decide each purchase.