Last verified: October 2026
Can a Birmingham family pay for tuition & approved school fees with a CHOOSE Act ESA?
Yes. Tuition plus academic, application, enrollment or registration, book, curriculum, library, lab, technology, security and testing fees.
Tuition plus academic, application, enrollment or registration, book, curriculum, library, lab, technology, security and testing fees.
A home-educated student is by definition not enrolled full time at a participating school.
SGO scholarships are paid toward tuition at the SGO's partner schools.
What rules apply to tuition & approved school fees?
- The school must be on ALDOR's participating-school list; a school's absence from the list means the ESA cannot pay it.
- The school invoices through ClassWallet with the student, parent, dates of service and amount; any ineligible line item gets the whole invoice rejected.
- Only charges for the 2026-27 academic year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) are approved, though payment can come before or after the service.
- The ESA covers $7,000 or the actual cost of qualifying expenses, whichever is lower; the family pays anything above the balance.
What counts and what doesn't
| Counts, under these rules | Doesn't count |
|---|---|
| The school must be on ALDOR's participating-school list; a school's absence from the list means the ESA cannot pay it. | Annual, capital campaign, commitment, fundraising, maintenance and PTO/PTA fees |
| The school invoices through ClassWallet with the student, parent, dates of service and amount; any ineligible line item gets the whole invoice rejected. | Athletic, extracurricular and field-trip fees |
| Only charges for the 2026-27 academic year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) are approved, though payment can come before or after the service. | Uniforms, food and transportation |
| The ESA covers $7,000 or the actual cost of qualifying expenses, whichever is lower; the family pays anything above the balance. |
What does this look like in Jefferson and Shelby counties?
66 private schools in Jefferson and Shelby counties are on the participating list dated October 23, 2026. Each listing in the directory shows the flag.
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.