My Why: The Stories Behind School Choice

January 28, 2026

Abbie Schofield, Operations Manager, shares why she supports school choice for all Alabama families.



I grew up in a wonderful small city with a fantastic public school system. For the most part, every teacher I had was kind and loving, with a genuine desire not only to teach students but to nurture them as well. Still, all I wanted to do was leave.


In elementary school, I came home crying, begging my parents to send me to a local Christian school that many of my friends from church attended. I was bullied consistently to the point that school felt unbearable for several years. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to go to school with my friends—though I do now. It was a sacrifice my family simply couldn’t afford, and we were stuck. Had our scholarship program existed at the time, we would have qualified.


Now, whenever I talk with a parent asking about our program, I hear the same desperation in their voice that I remember from my own mother—a longing for a happier, safer place for their child to learn. I think about one of my best friends, whose ADHD made it incredibly difficult for her to focus in a large classroom. I think of the girl I tutored in high school who dropped out as soon as she was legally able because she needed a different environment. I learned that just because a student wants—or even needs—to leave a school, it doesn’t mean the school is bad, failing, or anything short of excellent. Sometimes children simply need an environment better suited to how they learn or a place where they feel safe enough to do so. And parents deserve the ability to help their children find that, regardless of income.


Things did improve as I got older. I graduated fourth in my class as Senior Class President, Color Guard Captain, and Student of the Year. I also served as president of several other clubs, worked part-time, and took on as many activities as possible. Why? Because I wanted to afford college. I needed a scholarship. 


I still remember my school counselor telling me plainly that without scholarships, my dream of attending the University of Alabama might not be possible. Hearing that from someone who knew both my academic ability and my family’s financial reality made the stakes unmistakably clear.

 

As options continued to fall through and it became clear that my university scholarships and Pell Grants wouldn’t be enough, I was notified that I had been selected to receive an endowed scholarship—one that truly changed my life. With that support, it became more affordable to attend UA than to stay local and live at home.


I don’t know that the local family who made this possible will ever fully understand the impact of their gift. I think about them often when I speak with our generous donors who simply want to help children learn, grow, and make educational choices that are likely to change the lives of those students as well. 

Momentum Builds for Education Freedom at CSF Partner Summit

April 27, 2026
Last week, Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund joined partners from across the country at the Children's Scholarship Fund Partner Summit in New York City—an energizing gathering of leaders committed to expanding access to educational opportunity. During the summit, our Executive Director, Andy Ryan, was invited to speak on the growing potential of Education Freedom Tax Credits (EFTC) and what they can mean for states, schools, and families. As more states explore this flexible funding mechanism, the conversation focused on how EFTC programs can open doors—giving families greater access to the learning environments that best meet their children’s needs while strengthening the broader education landscape. Beyond the sessions, the summit offered something just as valuable: connection. From longtime partners to new collaborators, the room was filled with individuals and organizations working toward the same goal—empowering families with education freedom. These moments of shared insight and collaboration continue to drive the work forward. The takeaway was clear: momentum is building. And with it, a renewed commitment to ensuring more families have access to the opportunities they deserve.

From Uncertain to Unstoppable: How Renaissance School is Changing Students’ Futures

April 24, 2026
Learn how Renaissance School s transforming student outcomes, boosting confidence, academic growth, and brighter futures through access to the right school.

A New Partnership to Better Serve Alabama Families and Schools

April 7, 2026
At Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund, we’re always looking for ways to better support the schools and families we serve. That’s why we’re excited to share a new partnership with FACTS® , a trusted leader in school management solutions and part of Nelnet. This partnership positions us, and our partner schools, well for the future implementation of the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) , which will launch in January 2027. As we prepare for this next chapter in school choice across Alabama, it’s critical that we build systems that are both efficient and familiar. By working together, we’re streamlining processes for schools while creating a more seamless experience for families. The goal is simple: reduce administrative burden, improve access, and help more students find the right educational environment for their needs. We believe this model will not only strengthen how these new EFTC scholarships are administered, but also empower our partner schools to grow enrollment and better serve their communities. Most importantly, it helps ensure that families have the tools and support they need to make informed decisions about their child’s education. This is a step forward...and we’re just getting started.

Investing in a Lifetime, Not Just an Education

March 31, 2026
A single mother shares how scholarships made 13 years of faith-based education possible for her daughters, and the lifelong impact of that support.

How Alabama Families Can Access Education Choice with Tonya Jones | The Advocate’s Chair

March 24, 2026
Tonya Jones shares school choice options for families across Alabama with Neonta Williams, Founder of Black Alabamians for Education.

School Spotlight: The Rock Academy

March 20, 2026
For families in the rural communities of Russell and Lee County, finding the right school fit hasn’t always been easy. That’s exactly the gap The Rock Academy set out to fill. As a newer K–12 Christian school with an inclusive preschool program, The Rock Academy is grounded in a clear mission: deliver a high-quality education while shaping students academically, spiritually, and personally. Or, as Founder and Principal Kristi puts it, “We strive to cultivate academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development in our students.” No fluff, just a straightforward commitment to doing school differently, and do it well.

New Polling Shows Parents Are Ready for the Education Freedom Tax Credit

March 16, 2026
New polling shows K-12 parents strongly support the Education Freedom Tax Credit and are likely to contribute to scholarship programs expanding opportunity for students.

How the Education Freedom Tax Credit Can Help Alabama Kids Thrive

March 2, 2026
For decades, AOSF has put parents — not systems — in the driver’s seat when it comes to their children’s education. We know one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (a.k.a. federal scholarship tax credit) is a big deal: it lets everyday taxpayers redirect part of what they already owe in federal taxes to directly fund K-12 scholarships for Alabama students. Here’s the practical version of how it works, and why it matters.

Tax Deduction vs. Tax Credit — What Donors Really Need to Know

February 24, 2026
When you give to support K–12 scholarships, not all tax incentives are created equal — and knowing the difference can help make your gift go further.

Scholarships at Work: Faith Academy Spotlight

February 19, 2026
When donors give to the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund, they’re not just funding tuition. They’re opening doors to schools like Faith Academy in Mobile — places where students are known, supported, challenged, and grounded in faith. Faith Academy is a private Christian school committed to developing the whole child: academically, spiritually, and personally. Excellence isn’t just a tagline there. It’s woven into the classroom, the stage, the football field, and the daily rhythms of school life. And for many families, access to that kind of education is only possible because of scholarship support.