Governor Ivey Introduces a CHOOSE Act Family: Meet the Moore Family
BIRMINGHAM – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday introduced the Moores, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s education savings account (ESA) program. Crystal French-Moore and Johnnie Moore have two children: Javontae Moore (14) in 9th grade and Jacobe Moore (13) in 8th grade. Both children are currently supported by the CHOOSE Act at The Miracle Academy private school in Birmingham. Javontae and Jacobe participated in the CHOOSE Act program last school year and are again utilizing the ESAs for 2026-27.
“The Moores are a prime example of parents dedicated to securing the best life possible for their children,” said Governor Ivey. “They saw a change that needed to happen for their boys and sought to make that change a reality. I am proud that the CHOOSE Act has contributed to the prosperity of Javontae and Jacobe and the advancement of their education.”
Crystal is a case manager for Aletheia House, helping veterans secure jobs and meet their needs upon re-entry into the working world. She values a welcoming and safe environment for her children’s education, one that creates the space for them to thrive both socially and academically. She pushes her boys to work hard and strive for success, and she recognizes the key role that education plays in that.
Regarding the CHOOSE Act, Crystal French-Moore stated, “I didn’t know what I was going to be able to do for my kids. My oldest son was depressed and being bullied, and I dreaded having to send them back to that environment. Now, for him to be out of that situation and for both boys to be thriving at their new school is truly amazing. I am incredibly appreciative of the impact that the CHOOSE Act has had on our family, and I hope more people learn about this wonderful opportunity.”
The Moore family is lively and enjoys spending quality time together. Now, Javontae and Jacobe love going to school, and each has his own strengths. Having an environment that supports their individual, academic and social needs has made all the difference. Javontae struggles with ADHD, and his new school provides him with the assistance he needs to succeed academically. He enjoys working out and playing football, and his favorite subjects in school are math and science. Jacobe loves to play games and wants to be a firefighter one day, and his favorite subject in school is social studies.
To other Alabama parents, Crystal French-Moore advised, “Please go for it, take a chance. Even if you think you won’t get approved for it, still try. Do whatever you can to make a better future for your kids. Never give up. The CHOOSE Act has truly been life-changing for our family, and I am so grateful for the help that this program has provided for my boys.”
The CHOOSE Act can help families with instructional materials and supplies, covering items like curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and even fees charged by tutors or schools.
“The Choose Act has been great for Miracle Academy and the state of Alabama,” said Head of School Dr. Gregory Mullen. “It has given many parents the opportunity to choose where their children are educated. These are parents who normally would not have been afforded the luxury of choosing where their children receive their education due to their financial situation. The CHOOSE Act has definitely removed that barrier.”
Miracle Academy was founded in 2020 in response to an educational need for Dr. Mullen’s daughter, Miracle, who has special needs. Operating under the 501(c)(3) Miracle Mullen Downs Foundation, the school provides education for special needs students in the Birmingham area and honors individualized education programs. Through a private Christian environment, their mission is to provide quality education to a diverse community of students and to teach students according to their individual learning styles.
The Moore family is one of tens of thousands being supported by the CHOOSE Act.
About the CHOOSE Act:
The CHOOSE Act website provides Alabama families with the latest information about the CHOOSE Act, including eligibility information, an online application for both renewing and new families, program FAQ, important deadlines and parent and education service provider (ESP) guides.
The 2026–27 CHOOSE Act application period officially closed at midnight on March 31, 2026, with a record-breaking 29,341 applications representing 48,927 students. Of these, 18,832 were new applications for 29,986 students, while 10,509 were renewal applications for 18,941 students. Over 34,000 students received approval and were able to begin using their CHOOSE Act funds for approved educational expenses starting July 1, 2026. Those funds equated to over $174 million in ESAs supporting school choice for Alabama families and students.
The CHOOSE Act makes refundable income tax credits called education savings accounts available to support the success of eligible K-12 students in Alabama. An ESA can be used to pay for tuition, fees and other qualified education expenses at approved Education Service Providers (ESPs).
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program was open to new families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year. For the 2027-2028 academic year and beyond, the program is open to all families, regardless of income.
The program will prioritize students with special needs, participating students and their siblings and students who are dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school. Remaining ESAs will be available to students based on the family’s AGI as a percentage of the federal poverty level.
For information, visit chooseact.alabama.gov, which has program information such as a Parent Guide, a Program FAQ and a list of approved education service providers. The application process for the 2027-28 academic year will begin in January 2027 and will be available to all Alabama families, regardless of household income.
A photo of the Moore family is attached.
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