Governor: CHOOSE Act helps student stay at school

Governor Kay Ivey on Friday introduced the Ratcliffes, an Alabama family using the CHOOSE Act, her education savings account program. Tricia Ratcliffe has one child, Rossalyn, or Rossi, an 11-year-old sixth grader. Rossi received support from the CHOOSE Act for the 2025-26 school year at Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy. She is among the more than 34,000 students the program supports this school year.

“Tricia is a perfect example of a hardworking Alabama parent that just wants the best education available for her child,” Ivey said. “I am proud that the CHOOSE Act has helped Rossi not only stay at a school that she loves but afford the kind of outside help she needs to thrive.”

Ratcliffe values education and an environment that can support Rossi’s individual learning needs. Ratcliffe adopted Rossi from India when she was 2. Rossi was diagnosed with double-deficit dyslexia when she was in third grade, as well as a hearing impairment. The CHOOSE Act helps Ratcliffe pay for Rossi’s school tuition, while Rossi also participates in an individualized education program that helps her outside of school. Ratcliffe owns SheBang!! Clog Dance Company in Troy and teaches clogging.

Ratcliffe encouraged other Alabama parents to apply for the CHOOSE Act.

“It is worth every minute it takes to apply. The CHOOSE Act is for regular, working-class people who are trying hard every day to provide the best possible education for their children, and Governor Ivey gets that,” Ratcliffe said. “If getting help where help is available is what you have to do for your child to succeed, then do it.”

Pike Liberal Arts School is home to several families benefiting from the CHOOSE Act, including some who were able to stay and others who were able to transfer there because of it.

“These parents now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have options, and that their children are getting an education that is tailored to them,” Ivey’s office said in a news release.

Rossi’s favorite subjects in school are science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, and art. She also loves physical education. STEM is one of her favorites because it typically offers a more hands-on learning environment. Outside of school, Rossi stays busy. She participates in dance, karate, gymnastics and swimming. She also loves to ride her bicycle around her neighborhood with her dog, Flower.

“The CHOOSE Act has relieved so much stress for my family. I am thankful that Rossi has been able to stay with her friends at a school that she loves,” Ratcliffe said. “Her happiness is worth a million dollars to me. Thank you to Governor Ivey for doing this.”

The CHOOSE Act can help families pay for instructional materials and supplies, including curricula, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and fees charged by tutors or schools.

“I have seen firsthand the positive impact Governor Kay Ivey’s CHOOSE Act has had on families across Alabama,” head of school Amy Allen said. “The program has provided meaningful financial relief, allowing many parents to choose the educational environment they believe best meets the unique needs of their children. Families are making a significant investment in their children’s education, and the support provided through the CHOOSE Act challenges schools like ours to continually deliver exceptional academic programs, strong character development, safe learning environments and meaningful communication with parents. We are grateful for Governor Kay Ivey’s leadership in championing educational choice for Alabama families, and we are proud to be part of a community that values educational freedom, high expectations and a commitment to preparing students for success in college, career and life.”

The Ratcliffe family is one of tens of thousands receiving support through the CHOOSE Act, according to the release.