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CHOOSE Act Makes Private School Possible for More Families Than Ever

Posted on
January 1, 2025
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January 1, 2025
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January 1, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL

An exciting new opportunity is opening doors for families across Alabama—and Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School is proud to be leading the way. Thanks to the CHOOSE Act, Alabama now offers Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that provide families with up to $7,000 per student to invest in private education at no cost to them. Holy Family Cristo Rey has been approved as an official Education Service Provider, which means families can use ESA funds to cover tuition and educational expenses right here at our school.

The best part? If a student qualifies to attend Holy Family Cristo Rey, their family is automatically eligible to apply for an ESA. The application process begins January 2, 2025, and families are encouraged to begin gathering required documents now, including proof of residency, income, and the student’s birth certificate. HFCR will assist each family one-on-one to ensure a smooth and successful application experience.

To thank families for taking this important step, HFCR is offering exclusive activity fee discounts to ESA applicants. Families who submit the ESA application will receive 50% off next year’s student activity fee—a $125 savings. Those who receive the full $7,000 and commit to applying it entirely to HFCR tuition will receive an additional $75 discount, resulting in a total 80% savings on the student activity fee.

This new funding source comes at a pivotal time. The full cost to educate a student at HFCR is nearly $27,000 annually. Through our Corporate Work Study Program, each student earns $8,000 toward their education. Families contribute no more than $250 per month. But even with those contributions, there’s a significant funding gap of at least $16,500 per student that HFCR must fill each year. ESA funds can help cover nearly half of that gap—strengthening our ability to continue delivering an exceptional, mission-driven education.

When families choose to invest their ESA funds at HFCR, they’re choosing more than just academics. They’re ensuring their child receives a well-rounded, college-preparatory education paired with professional work experience, personal iPads, shuttle transportation, daily meals, spiritual development, and long-term alumni support. It’s everything students need to thrive—not just in high school, but in college and beyond.

At Holy Family Cristo Rey, every family plays a critical role in supporting their child’s journey to college and career success. With ESAs now available, that support just became more impactful—and more affordable—than ever before.

About HFCR: Located in the historic Titusville neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School (HFCR) is a member of the Cristo Rey Network®, committed to providing students with a college preparatory education and real-world work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. Comprising 40 Catholic, career focused college-preparatory schools that today serve 12,350 students across 24 states, the Cristo Rey Network® delivers a powerful and innovative approach to education that equips students from families of limited economic means with the knowledge, character, and skills to achieve their aspirations.

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