THE GROWING APPEAL OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Montgomery ’ s private schools offer a rich and diverse array of options , meeting the academic , social and extracurricular needs of students across the community . Families are often drawn to these schools for their commitment to individualized education , made possible by smaller class sizes and lower teacher-to-student ratios . With a strong focus on academic excellence , many private schools provide specialized programs in areas like arts , athletics and STEM — fields that are increasingly vital in today ’ s economy .
Faith-based schools are foundational to Montgomery ’ s private education landscape , blending rigorous academics with spiritual development . These schools foster a sense of community among families and instill moral values alongside traditional academic skills , creating a holistic educational experience rooted in shared beliefs .
Montessori schools , known for their emphasis on self-directed and experiential learning , offer an alternative to conventional education . These programs nurture children ’ s natural curiosity and encourage independence , appealing to parents who prioritize personalized and hands-on approaches . Additionally , families seeking tailored support for children with learning differences can find private schools dedicated to providing specialized instruction , ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive academically .
PRIVATE SCHOOL GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES
The heightened focus on private schools is closely tied to the state ’ s growing support for school choice , offering families more tailored educational opportunities . The increase in private school enrollment , alongside the growing number of diverse options , demonstrates how the education system is evolving . For many , the increased options mean better access to educational models that match their child ’ s unique needs and aspirations .
Legislative initiatives like the Choose Act highlight this shift toward greater educational choice , giving families the ability to select the learning environment that best meets their child ’ s needs . Whether it ’ s a traditional academic program , faith-based education or a specialized curriculum , the educational landscape is becoming increasingly inclusive . For parents , these expanded options represent more than just a school — they offer a pathway to their child ’ s success , growth and future .
The New Choose Act Alabama :
Tax Credits for School Choice
A major development for Alabama families and the state ’ s educational landscape is the introduction of the Choose Act Alabama , signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on March 7 , 2024 . This new statewide initiative provides refundable income tax credits — called Education Savings Accounts ( ESAs )— to help families with the cost of private school tuition and other qualified educational expenses . The goal is to offer financial support to families who wish to send their children to participating private schools or engage in home education programs .
Key Benefits of the Choose Act Alabama :
$ 7,000 per student for tuition , fees and eligible educational expenses at participating private schools .
$ 2,000 per student for those enrolled in home education programs , with a maximum of $ 4,000 per family .
Accessibility : The initiative opens up greater opportunities for families who may have been financially unable to consider private education as an option .
The application process for the 2025-2026 school year opened on January 2 , 2025 , and families can learn more about this groundbreaking opportunity by visiting the official website at chooseact . alabama . gov .
For many families , the Choose Act will significantly reduce the financial burden of private schooling , making it a more affordable option and leveling the playing field for access to high-quality education . This initiative further supports the state ’ s commitment to expanding educational options and providing families with the flexibility to choose the best environment for their children ’ s academic and personal growth .
Get an inside look at some of our local private schools each with their own strengths and unique opportunities for students .
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