Autaugaville Hosts CHOOSE Act Sign-Up Day Expanding School Choice Options

Autaugaville Christian Academy hosted a CHOOSE Act sign-up day on Jan. 2, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Eleven86 Bottling Plant, 276 County Road 165, offering local families assistance in applying for Alabama’s education savings accounts. The event drew community members seeking alternatives to district schools and provided information on how refundable state tax credits can be used to pay for tuition and other qualified education expenses at approved providers.

“This is an important milestone for the community, as it allows local families the opportunity to choose a new private Christian school option closer to home, while expanding educational opportunities for students in the region,” said Kristi Pieper, Autauga County Director of Economic and Community Development. “This is HUGE and exciting news for Autaugaville and represents another positive step forward for families throughout the area,” said Pieper.

Under the CHOOSE Act Alabama program, refundable income tax credits create education savings accounts for eligible K5-12 students. ESAs can be spent on tuition, fees, and other qualified expenses at state-approved Education Service Providers. Families seeking to apply or learn more can access enrollment tools and program details online at classwallet.com/alchoose/.

The appearance of the sign-up day in Autaugaville follows the broader rollout of state-supported ESAs, which shift public dollars through tax credits to private or alternative education providers. Proponents argue such programs increase parental choice and give students access to tailored learning environments closer to home. Local developers and education advocates view the opening of a private Christian option in Autaugaville as a way to retain students who might otherwise travel to neighboring towns for private schooling.

At the same time, the migration of students to ESA-funded private options raises policy questions for county and state officials. Redirecting tax-credit-backed funds away from traditional public schools can affect district budgets and program funding, and it changes oversight dynamics since private providers operate under different regulatory regimes. Public officials and school leaders will need to monitor enrollment changes and fiscal impacts to ensure transparency and maintain educational services for all students in the county.

For families interested in applying or reviewing eligibility, the state application portal and program guidance are available at classwallet.com/alchoose/. Local officials said the Jan. 2 event was intended to make that enrollment process more accessible to Autaugaville residents.