Governor Kay Ivey on Friday introduced the Yearby family, an Alabama family participating in the CHOOSE Act, the state’s education savings account program.

John and Cecily Yearby have five children: Johnna, 23; Josiah, 15, who is in 10th grade; Jaci, 13, who is in eighth grade; Jeremiah, 11, who is in sixth grade; and a 19-month-old son.

Josiah, Jaci and Jeremiah received support through the CHOOSE Act while attending The Rock Academy during the 2025-26 school year. The family successfully renewed its application and will receive funding for the 2026-27 school year.

“For a family who has tried several educational avenues for their children, the Yearbys, with support from the CHOOSE Act, now have the opportunity to select a learning environment where each of their children can succeed,” Ivey said. “The Yearby family is one of many that has seen a remarkable difference in their children. It is wonderful to hear that they are thriving in an environment that can support their individual needs.”

John and Cecily Yearby told Ivey’s office they value a school that puts God first and reflects the values they teach at home. John is chaplain for Turner Fence LLC in Opelika, and Cecily works in real estate.

Josiah receives assistance through The Rock Academy’s special needs program and is making progress, according to Ivey’s office. Jeremiah and Jaci are also benefiting from the program. Jeremiah is eager to attend school and is often the first to wake up on school mornings, while Jaci thanked Ivey for giving her and her siblings the opportunity to attend a school they enjoy.

“There is nothing to lose from trying something different, so why not apply?” Cecily Yearby said. “If you are looking for another option, the CHOOSE Act provides more opportunities that many families do not know about. Learning environments make a big difference, and I have seen that my children are progressing more now than they ever have.”

After trying public school and a virtual learning program, the Yearbys said The Rock Academy best fits their children’s academic and social needs.

Josiah’s favorite part of school is reading, and he enjoys watching movies. Jeremiah’s favorite subjects are social studies and history, and he enjoys playing video games. Jaci enjoys writing and drawing, according to Ivey’s office.

“We are just thankful,” Cecily Yearby said. “The environment they create at the school helps the kids want to be there and learn. The CHOOSE Act program has been a blessing to our family, and I believe that it can be a blessing for so many others.”

The CHOOSE Act allows participating families to use education savings account funds for eligible educational expenses, including curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, computers, school supplies and fees charged by tutors or schools.

“The Rock Academy is grateful to Governor Kay Ivey for her leadership in passing the CHOOSE Act and expanding educational opportunities for Alabama families,” Head of School Christy Marchetti said. “Our school is not a typical private school, as 81 percent of our students receive financial support and 23 percent have identified learning differences. This legislation has allowed families who never thought they could afford private education to choose a learning environment that better meets their child’s needs.

“Educational opportunity should not be limited by income, ZIP code or a student’s learning challenges. We have seen firsthand how the CHOOSE Act has given families hope, options and access to individualized support. We sincerely thank Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for helping more children find a school where they can thrive.”

The Yearby family is one of tens of thousands receiving support through the CHOOSE Act, according to Ivey’s office.

In recent months, Ivey has highlighted other families participating in the program, including the McDade family, Siemens family, Carbonell family, Walker family, Moseley family, Charlie Perkins and Susan Stacy, Tran family, Davis family, Doty family, Harrison family and Bell family.

More information about the CHOOSE Act is available on the program’s website.