Last verified: October 2026
Can a Birmingham family pay for school supplies & instructional materials with a CHOOSE Act ESA?
Yes. Instructional materials and school supplies.
CHOOSE Act ESA, enrolled ($7,000)Approved expense
Instructional materials and school supplies.
CHOOSE Act ESA, home education ($2,000)Approved expense
Same rules.
Accountability Act SGO scholarshipNot payable
Not covered.
What rules apply to school supplies & instructional materials?
- Microscopes and telescopes are approved up to $250 each.
- Dry-erase and chalk boards must be under $50 each.
What counts and what doesn't
| Counts, under these rules | Doesn't count |
|---|---|
| Microscopes and telescopes are approved up to $250 each. | Bulk quantities |
| Dry-erase and chalk boards must be under $50 each. | Items listed in the Marketplace that do not meet the rules |
What does this look like in Jefferson and Shelby counties?
Office Depot and Staples both appear on ALDOR's provider list with CHOOSE Act storefronts, which is the simplest route for a school supply list.
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.