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What does Alabama ESA cover?
Search a specific purchase against CHOOSE Act Alabama's published expense rules.
Is it covered by CHOOSE Act Alabama?
Type what you want to buy, for example a product name, a class or a service. We check it against the program's published expense rules and show the rule.
Your state's program makes the final decision. A purchase made with your own card may not be paid back.
Check a specific Alabama ESA expense
Wondering whether Alabama ESA covers a laptop, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, swim lessons, piano lessons or speech therapy? Enter the exact item in the checker above. Then review the program rule and payment conditions before buying.
All expense categories and Alabama rules
Every category, with the Alabama rule
Covered: usually coveredDepends: covered with conditionsNot covered: usually not coveredNot stated: not stated by the program
- Covered
Private school tuition & fees
Tuition and most school fees (application, registration, technology, testing, etc.) at a participating school are covered..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Online school & virtual courses
Tuition/fees for an approved nonpublic K5-12 online learning program covered, but only in listed subjects (art, ELA, math, science, etc.)..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Curriculum, textbooks & workbooks
Curriculum, textbooks (listed subjects only) and supplemental reading materials covered for individual student use, no bulk orders..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Reading books & e-books
Textbooks (incl. audiobooks) in listed K5-12 subjects, plus reference books and workbooks, are covered..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
School supplies & consumables
Instructional materials (paper, binders, calculators, art supplies, science kits) covered; no bulk orders, individual student use only..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Computers, tablets, software & internet
Computers capped at $1,200 per student, 1 purchase every 2 years. Tech aids capped at $500/year total; gaming devices, SMARTboards, TVs excluded..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Tutoring
Private tutoring (in-person or online) in listed subjects covered; tutor must be accredited/degreed with background check..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Classes, co-ops & camps
After-school/summer programs covered only if provided by a participating school, education-based, not child care, within academic year..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Music, art & sports lessons
Music (voice/instrument) lessons covered as tutoring. Athletic/sports fees and extracurricular activity fees are explicitly disallowed..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Educational therapies
ABA, dyslexia/dysgraphia, OT, PT, speech and vision therapy covered for students with disabilities; provider must be licensed/accredited..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Testing, exams & evaluations
Fees for standardized/nationally recognized assessments, college admissions tests, AP exams and related prep courses covered..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
College courses, dual enrollment & CTE
Dual enrollment classes covered only for approved subjects at participating in-state colleges/universities..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Transportation
Transportation is explicitly listed as a disallowed school fee; tutor supply fees also cannot include transportation..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
School uniforms
Uniforms are explicitly listed as a disallowed school fee..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Field trips, museums & educational travel
Field trip fees are explicitly listed as a disallowed school fee..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Desks, instruments & learning equipment
Microscopes and telescopes covered, limited to $250 each. General lab/science kits covered only if aligned with approved subjects..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25.
CHOOSE Act Alabama explicitly excludes: Field trips; Uniforms; Transportation; Athletic/sports and extracurricular activity fees; Gaming-labeled computers/tech; SMARTboards, TVs, external speakers/hard drives, 3D printers; Child care; Insurance/late/fundraising fees.
Next
Before buying: The program decides whether the exact item and payment route qualify. A direct card purchase may not be reimbursed.
More about ESA purchase decisions
Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check CHOOSE Act Alabama's current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.