CHOOSE Act Shines a Light on Alabama Family
Governor Kay Ivey is spotlighting another Alabama family whose life has been positively impacted by the CHOOSE Act, the state's awesome education savings account program.
Meet the Carbonells
Say hello to Francisco and Itzel Carbonell from Birmingham! They're the proud parents of five amazing kids: Maria (8th grade), Anna (5th grade), Amalia (1st grade), Juan (K5), and adorable baby Emma. Four of the children are currently rocking it at St. Rose Academy, and the CHOOSE Act is playing a major role in making their education possible!
Governor Ivey's Take
“For Francisco and Itzel, the CHOOSE Act is a game-changer, allowing their children to thrive in an environment that aligns with their family's values and aspirations,†Ivey shared. “Alabama families deserve to have real choices when it comes to their children's education. The CHOOSE Act empowers families like the Carbonells to find the perfect fit for their children's future – and that's something to celebrate!â€
A Perfect Fit at St. Rose Academy
The Carbonell family emphasized that their Catholic faith, commitment to strong morals, and dedication to high-quality education were key factors in choosing St. Rose Academy. After moving to Alabama in 2021, they discovered a school that mirrored their values. When financial challenges threatened their ability to continue at St. Rose, the CHOOSE Act stepped in, ensuring their children could remain enrolled and even planning for their youngest to attend in the future!
A Family's Gratitude
“We had no idea it would be this wonderful – thank God! – we are completely blown away,†exclaimed Francisco Carbonell. “This has been an incredible relief for our family, and now we can invest in new laptops and other resources to support our children's continued growth.â€
Each Child's Unique Spark
Each of the Carbonell children brings their own special flair to the family. Maria, the eldest, is passionate about piano and musicals. Anna has a deep love for animals, while Amalia loves to dance and hang out with friends. Juan enjoys adventures with his dad, and Emma, the youngest, is just beginning her journey of discovery.
A Bright Future
“This is the real deal for Alabama families! We now have a clear path forward, especially when we think about our youngest, thanks to the education we can provide with the help of the CHOOSE Act,†added Carbonell.
Expanding Impact
The Carbonells are just one of the many families benefiting from this program. Governor Ivey plans to continue shining a spotlight on how the CHOOSE Act is transforming lives across Alabama!
The CHOOSE Act Deets
The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits through education savings accounts for eligible K–12 students. Families can use these funds for tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers.
Since applications opened in January 2025, over 36,000 students statewide have applied for the program. Funding includes $7,000 per eligible student in a participating school and $2,000 for students in home education programs, with a $4,000 family cap.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, which oversees the program, over 23,000 students have been approved this year, representing more than $124 million in education savings accounts.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in January 2026.