Where They’re Headed: Spotlight on Alabama’s Graduating Seniors

Follow Maleah Tigner’s journey from first grade to valedictorian at Chambers Academy—and how opportunity, leadership, and community shaped her future.

Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate the dedicated educators at AOSF partnership schools and highlight how school choice helps expand opportunity for students, families, and teachers across Alabama.

Meet the Chambers Academy Class of 2026 as seniors share their future plans, college goals, and how a strong community helped shape their journey.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.