Yellowhammer Times

Governor Kay Ivey introduced the Walker family as beneficiaries of Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, an education savings account (ESA) program designed to support eligible K-12 students in the state. The Walkers, a military family with seven children, moved to Alabama in 2023 and have chosen to stay due to the opportunities provided by the CHOOSE Act.

John Walker serves in the U.S. Air Force, while Mary Walker is a teacher. Four of their children—Peter (6th grade), Lucy (5th grade), Ella (3rd grade), and Andrew (Kindergarten)—attend Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School at the St. Bede campus in Montgomery, supported by funds from the CHOOSE Act.

“The Walker family found more than a home in Alabama – they found opportunity to prosper,” said Governor Ivey. “Through the CHOOSE Act, John and Mary can give their children an education that reflects their faith and educational priorities. John and Mary shared with us that with John’s military retirement forthcoming, they decided because of the CHOOSE Act they would be staying in Alabama permanently. I could not be more excited for their family.”

The Walkers emphasized their belief in strong education and parental involvement as primary educators for their children. They encouraged other families considering relocation: “We tell all our friends around the country to come to Alabama. We are so grateful to Governor Ivey and for the opportunities that our children have here because of the CHOOSE Act.”

Mary Walker added, “We have traveled all over the world and could have stayed anywhere, but we’re excited to stay here and make Alabama the best home for our family.”

The governor has highlighted multiple families across Alabama who benefit from this school choice program.

The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits through ESAs that can be used for tuition, fees, or other approved educational expenses at participating schools or providers throughout Alabama. Since applications opened in January 2025, there have been 36,873 student applicants from every county in Alabama. Over 23,000 students received approval this year—amounting to more than $124 million allocated for ESAs supporting school choice among families statewide.

Eligible students enrolled in participating schools receive $7,000 each per year; those enrolled in home education programs may receive up to $2,000 per student ($4,000 maximum per family). Further details about eligibility requirements and application procedures are available on www.chooseact.alabama.gov.

Applications for funding during the 2026-2027 academic year will open in January 2026.