BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — More than half of the families applying for Alabama’s new CHOOSE Act school voucher program are not coming from public schools, according to data released Tuesday. Of the 36,873 students represented in applications, 15,436 attend private schools and 9,070 are homeschooled, leaving just 10,367 from public schools. Critics argue this trend underscores a quiet admission by state leaders that Alabama’s public school system is failing to meet the needs of its students.
The CHOOSE Act, signed into law in 2024, provides up to $7,000 per student for private school tuition or $2,000 for homeschooling expenses. While Governor Kay Ivey hailed the program as a win for school choice and parental empowerment, opponents see it as a diversion of resources from already underfunded public schools. Alabama ranks 42nd nationally in per-student funding, and public schools have long struggled with outdated materials, overcrowded classrooms, and teacher shortages.
The $100 million allocated for the program’s first year is already at risk of being exhausted due to high demand. Lawmakers may consider increasing funding in future years, further straining the state’s Education Trust Fund. Critics argue that instead of investing in private education subsidies, these funds could be used to address systemic issues in public schools.
For many observers, the CHOOSE Act reflects a broader failure of leadership. If we can find $7,000 per student for private education, why can’t we invest that same money into making our public schools better? This program isn’t solving the problem—it’s admitting defeat.