ANIMATE Animate Is a Five-Day Summer Program in Worship Leadership for Teenagers and Their Adult Mentors

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BIBLE METHODIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Est.: 1964 Size/Ratio: 1850, 20:1 Special Courses: Kodaly Music Education HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Principal/Headmaster: Jenny Crotts Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Athletics: Tennis, boys baseball, basketball, football, Headmaster: Lynn Gurganus 1355 Chula Vista Drive Pell City, AL 35125 Accreditation: SACS, Member of ACSI girls softball, basketball, cheerleading, color guard, 2290 Old Tyler Road Hoover, AL 35226 205-338-3012, [email protected], Academic Achievements: According to ACSI, Briar- majorettes, volleyball 205-978-6001 [email protected] www.bmcschool.org wood has largest number of National Merit finalists Tuition: Varies by grade, $5,530 - $5,990 www.hcachristian.org Grades: K3-12 Est.: 1969 Size: 80 among member schools. 99% attend two and four Admission: Student testing, parent interviews, Open Number of Students: 193 Faculty/Student Ratio:1/12 Religious Affiliation: Bible Methodist year colleges or universities. Application Period begins Feb. 5. Grades: K4 -12 Established: 1974 Accredited: Yes, in process of being accredited by the Honors and Awards: SAT and ACT scores above state Religious Affiliation: Christian Inter-denominational AACS. and national averages, previous state winner for the GLEN IRIS BAPTIST SCHOOL Accredited: AdvancedED, ACSI Academic Achievement: Students compete in the Robotics Team, winner of multiple State champion- Principal: LeGrand Lamb Academic Achievement: Over 50% of Faculty hold ACEA and AACS Academic and Fine Arts compe- ships in athletics. 1137 10th Place South, email: [email protected] advanced Degrees; the Class of 2016 earned over 1.6 titions. Fine Arts: Show Choir, Band, Drama, Visual Arts, 323-1516, www.gibschool.com million dollars in scholarships and the class of 2017 Honors/Awards: Students have won many honors Lion Guard, Choir Athletics: Football, basketball, Grades: K4-12th Ratio: 10/1 earned over $1 million and awards in Bible, Academic, and fine arts Compe- baseball, cross country, track, tennis, golf, volleyball, Religious Affiliation: Baptist Honors/Awards: Youth Leadership Development tition. They have also won awards in the local VFW swimming, soccer, cheerleading, softball, fishing Accreditation: ACEA, AACS member Program student representatives, 100% success for writing contest. Tuition: Available at www.bcsk12.org or call Academic Achievement: Achievement Test scores in ENG 101 and 102 Dual Enrollment students Special Education: A tutor comes two times per 776-5813. Admission: Accepting applications year- top 10% of nation, Iowa Standardized test: Students Fine Arts: Choir, Theatre, Band, Studio/Visual Arts week to work with students needing special academic round. Details on-line or contact Kelly Mooney, Dir. test 2.5 years above grade level, 100% attend two and Athletics: Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, instruction or help. of Admissions, [email protected] four year colleges and universities, Alpha and Omega Cheerleading, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track Fine Arts: We offer Choir as an elective for 7th-12th chapter of the National Honor’s Society, Saxon math, and Field, Swim Special Courses: Character Edu- and music classes 3rd -6th. A former public-school EVANGEL CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Abeka, BJU Press, Sadlier-Oxford cation, Christian Studies, Weekly Chapel, Robotics, art teacher comes weekly and provides art classes for Principals: Dawn Hensley - K-5th grades, Honors/Awards: Participate in ACEA State Compe- Dual Enrollment, AP Courses, Home EC/Life Skills, the K5-6th grade. Melissa Bell - 6th -12th grades, tition and AACS National Competiton each year Stu- Yearbook, Film Studies, Foreign Language Other Special Courses/Curriculum: Bible Quizzing 423 Thompson Rd., Alabaster dents regularly place 1-3rd in respective categories. Admissions Requirements: Complete Application; and Home Economics, Drama Camp, Computer 216-0149, [email protected] Music Cup regularly won. application fee; Christian testimony; meet GPA Application, and Family Living www.evangelclassical.org Fine Arts: Kindergarten -12th grade participate in standards; acceptable school conduct record; testing Admission Requirements: Meet with Principal first Grades: K5-12th Est.: 2000 Size/Ratio: 360, 15:1 Art, Speech, and Music. Band, Choir, group/indi- may be required; formal interview Registration Dates: Open Registration Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Church of vidual Speech available, Private violin, piano, harp, Registration Dates: Open Enrollment Tuition: $292 per 10-month plan 1st – 12th. Call for America available. Athletics: Elementary Basketball (1-5th), Tuition: Varies by grade; starts at $3764 per year Preschool and K5 prices as they vary according to Accreditation: Assoc. of Classical Christian Schools Junior High Boys and Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys After School Care: Yes plan selected. After School Care: Yes Academic Achievements: Avg of 82 in SESAT 10 and Girls Basketball, Track and Field, Cheerleading, Complete Battery, Avg ACT 28.4, 5 National Merit Multiple State Championships Special Courses: HOOVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Finalists since 2012 Bible, Biblical Worldview, Bible Doctrines, College Principal: Lori Abbott 2204 Briarwood Way, 35243: K4-6th grade, 776-5800 Honors & Awards: Above average SAT scores. Duke Prep, ACT Prep, Yearbook Club, Robotics in 2018/19 2113 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Hoover, 35216, 6255 Cahaba Valley Rd., 35242: 7th-12th grade Tip Winners, national Merit finalists, UAB Robotics Admission: Accepting applications year round 987-3376, 776-5900, www.bcsk12.org competition finalists, Beta Club Tuition: Available at www.gibschool.com or call 205- Continued on page 2 Grades: K4-12th Fine Arts: Piano, violin, drama, art, ballet, voice 323-1516 After school care: yes

Training the next generation of worship leaders ANIMATE Animate is a five-day summer program in worship leadership for teenagers and their adult mentors.

[email protected] | 205-726-4525

February 2018 1 Christian School Resources www.hooverchristianschool.com classes 8th-12th, Spanish/French K-12th. Grades: Preschool-8th grade winners, Birmingham Catholic Diocese Art Show [email protected] Honors & Awards: Shelby Co. Best of the Best Private Est.: 1984 Size/Ratio: 240, 9:1 winners Grade: PreK-12 Est.: 1949 School 4 years in a row 2014-2017. National Beta Religious Affiliation: Catholic Fine Arts: Art, music, choir Number of Students: 60 Ratio: 8:1 School of Distinction 2014-2018. Accreditation: SACS Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, and additional Religious Affiliation:Seventh-day Adventist Admission Requirements: Interview, Testing, Refer- Academic Achievements: Duke TIP qualified stu- athletic opportunities through John Carroll Catholic Academic Achievements: 100% of graduating seniors ences Registration Dates: Starting Feb. 20, 2018 dents, Co and State Spelling Bee finalists, Geography Middle School Sports Program go on to higher education Tuition: Approximately $6000 After School Care: Yes Bee, Reg Science Fair, Science Olympiad Tuition: Varies by grade, financial assistance available Honors/Awards: National Honor Society Honors & Awards: US Dept. of Ed. National Blue Admission Requirements: Online application avail- Accreditation: MSA/CESS),(NCPSA), and North MCELWAIN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Ribbon School of Excellence 2 Time Recipient, Duke able with detailed information on the school website American Div. of Seventh-day Adventists Principal: Lucy Bloodworth TIP, Nationally recognized award winning Junior at www.olsschool.com Tuition:varies by grade,$424.40-$498.60 per mo 4445 Montevallo Road, 35213 Troupe in prestigious International Thespian Society, Fine Arts: Art, Music, Drama, Yearbook 957-2628, [email protected] American Heart Assoc. Fit-Friendly School, Science PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Special Education Opportunities: High School stu- www.mcelwainchristianacademy.org Olympiad Team in Top 3 in the State for over 20 Principal: Connie Angstadt dents are offered 36 hours of dual credit hours Grades: K5-5th Est.: 2007 Ratio: 10:1 yrs. with 2015 members earning over $500,000 in 4650 Preserve Pkwy, Hoover, 35226 Special Courses: PreK-12th are offered Art, Spanish Religious Affiliation: Baptist scholarships. 824-7886, [email protected] and Choir; High School is offered Drama and Year- Accreditation: AISA, SACS Fine Arts: Performing and visual arts classes, 2 full www.popcatholic.net book. All students must take Bible, History, Science, Tuition: Available on-line or call 957-2628 drama productions each yr, Jr Thespian Troupe, Grades: Preschool-8 Math, Language Arts and Physical Education. Admission: Contact office for tour and admission debate, band, piano, voice, choir Est: 2000 Size/Ratio: 475, 16:1 Admission Requirements: Administration interview requirements; Accept applications yr. round Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and Religious Affiliation: Catholic Registration dates: PreK-8th grade is rolling, field, Jr. Cavs football. JCCMS sports sanctioned by Accreditation: NCEA, SACS High school at semester breaks unless approved by MOUNTAIN VIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL AHSAA. Academic Achievements: ACT Explore Test 8th grd principal Principal: Larry Nicholson Tuition: call 991-5963 or see website, multiple stu- score twice national avg, Blue Ribbon School Tuition: $4370-$5300 After School Care: Yes 5568 Chalkville Rd, 35235 dent discount, financial assistance available of Excellence, the majority of students qualify for 854-2741, [email protected] Admission: Applications for new families begin in Duke Tip KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grades: K4-12th February. Honors & Awards: Member of NCTM and ASCD, Principal: Ruth Gray Est.:1983 Size/Ratio: 115, 1:12 Best Private School in Hoover/Hoover Mag, Hoover Headmaster: Rev. Benny Cunningham Religious Affiliation: Baptist OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Beautification Board Award 1351 Royalty Drive, Alabaster, 35007, 663-3973 Honors & Awards: Member of Alabama Christian Principal: Mary Jane Dorn Fine Arts: Band, choir, after school music lessons, [email protected] Association and American Association of Christian 1720 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 theatre, dance www.kingwoodchristianschool.com Schools , AL Christian Education Assoc, awards for (205) 879-3237, [email protected], Athletics: Soccer, volleyball, basketball, Grades: K-12 Est.: 1978 Size/Ratio: 325, 1:12 basketball, music, art and Bible. www.olsschool.com cheerleading, John Carroll Middle School Sports Religious Affiliation: Kingwood Church Athletics: basketball, volleyball, cheerleading Grades: K3- 8 (AHSAA sanctioned) Accreditation: SACS, AISA Tuition: Varies by grade, $80-$335 per mo for 10 mo. Est: 1896 Size/Ratio: 400, 15:1 Tuition: See website. Academic Achievements: Offering Christian Cur- After school care available. Religious Affiliation: Catholic Admission: Applications accepted year round and riculum K-12th Bible classes daily, Chapel services Admission: Interview and handbook review. Regis- Accreditation: SACS available on school website. Call 824-7886 for an weekly, offering Advanced Diploma with Honors tration date is Feb 1 forward Academic Achievements: Duke Tip state recog- individual tour. Fine Arts: Award winning chorus K-12, marching, nition, district and county spelling bee finalists; geog- concert and praise bands, Art K-12 Athletics: OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY raphy bee state finalists, National Jr. Honor Society SOUTHMINSTER DAY SCHOOL Volleyball, football, basketball, golf, tennis, track, Principal: Katie Zielinski Honors and Awards: Duke Tip national writing Principal: Jeanie Covin baseball, softball, weight lifting, cheerleading, 5510 Double Oak Lane, 35242 contest finalist, National Young Leaders attendees, 1124 Montgomery Hwy, 35216 soccer, cross country Special Courses: Advanced 991-5963, [email protected], Alabama State Council of the Arts category winner, 822-9531, [email protected] Placement in all core classes 11th/12th grade. Honors www.olvbirmingham.com Birmingham Catholic Diocese Writing Contest Continued on page 3

Empower Your Child with an Affordable Christ-centered Education Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School

Growing our children in knowledge and faith… Experience the Difference

– Educating Young Minds in 3K – 8th grades – (205) 879-3237 • www.olsschool.com • 1720 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL

2 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian Family Christian School Resources Grades: 4K-5th Established: 2000 Accreditation: AdvancED (SACS) WESTMINSTER SCHOOL AT OAK MOUNTAIN Est.: 1967, Size/Ratio: 220, 12-1 Affiliation: Valleydale Christian Church Academic Achievements: 98% of Westbrook students Head of School: Mark Lloyd Religious Affiliation:Presbyterian Academic Achievement: We consistently have stu- go on to attend college; An average of 57% of gradu- 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace, 35242 Academic Achievement: High Test Scores dents with ACT scores in the 30s. ating seniors receive scholarship offers; AP/Honors 205-995-9694, www.westminsterknights.org Fine Arts: Music, Art Honors/Awards: Students receive academic, person- Curriculum Grades: K-12 Tuition: $2950K, $3950 Grades 1-5 per year al, athletic and fine arts awards consistently. Honors & Awards: Consistent Recognition by the Est.: 1999 Size/Ratio: 532, 16:1,18:1 Admission: Call for details. Registration Feb. Fine Arts: Full art classes middle and high school. National Merit Corporation. Gadsden Museum of Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Special Courses: All upper course for advanced Art Winners, Recognition by Alabama JUNA Accreditation: SACS SUMITON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL diploma Fine Arts: Concert Choir, Art, Photography, Film as Academic Achievements: National Merit Finalists & Principal: Cheryl J. Capps Admission Requirements: No disciplinary action in Art, Drum Line, Dance Line Semi-Finalists 155 Hosanna Dr, Sumiton, 35148 prior school Athletics: AHSAA Football, Volleyball, Girls & Boys Fine Arts: Drama, Art, Lower School Choir 648-6643 ext. 101 Registration Dates: All year Basketball, Cross Country Track, Girls & Boys Golf, Athletics: Basketball, Soccer, CC, Track/Field, Ten- [email protected] Tuition: $100/$150 registration. Monthly fee deter- Girls & Boys Tennis, Girls Soccer, Baseball, Track nis, Volleyball and Swimming www.sumitonchristianschool.org mined by classes attending. Tuition: Varies based on grade, $2112 - $5580 Tuition: $7,567-$10,030 Grades: K3-12 Admission: Application/Interview/Admissions Test- Admission: Testing required. Call school for details. Est.: 1976 Size/Ratio: 400, 1:15 VICTORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ing. Registration open to public 4/9/18 Religious Affiliation: Church of God Administrator: Laurie Davenport Special Education Opportunities: Resource classes — Information provided by schools Accreditation: SACS, AISA 154 Victory Drive, Pell City, 35125 are available on a limited basis. The Discovery Pro- through school survey Academic Achievements: Above avg SAT, ACT 338-2901, Victorychristianschool.cc gram developed by the National Institute of Learning scores; 100% graduation rate; over $1.2 million in Grades: K4-12 Disabilities is provided for qualified students at an scholarship offers Est.: 1984 Size/Ratio: 370 and 15:1 additional cost. Honors & Awards: AISA Blue Ribbon School of Religious Affiliation:Non-denominational Excellence,Ala. Opportunity Scholarship Program Accreditation: SACS, AISA Participant Academic Achievements: Above average SAT and Fine Arts: Concert/marching band, dance team, ACT scores. 99% attend college color guard, majorettes, choir, drama, art, speech, Honors and Awards: 60% of 2017 graduates received private voice and piano tuition scholarships to colleges and Universities. VCS Athletics: Volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, graduates are in all the major universities in the area. baseball, softball, tennis, golf, cheerleading. Ala. High Athletics: Member of Alabama High School Athletic School Athletic Assoc. (AHSAA) member Assoc. Football, basketball, baseball, tennis, track, Tuition: Varies by grade, multiple student discount, golf, volleyball, cheerleading, softball, fishing. financial assistance program Tuition: 2017-18 $3,250/year Admission: Application and interview. Accept appli- Admission: Accepting applications year-round. Call cations yr. round 205-338-2901.

VALLEYDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WESTBROOK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Home School Principal: Cynthia Greer Voted Shelby County’s Best Private School K-12 Principal: Susan Hubbard 100 Westminster Drive, Rainbow City, 35906 2408 Valleydale Road Hoover, AL 35244 256-442-7457, [email protected], Fully Accredited I Athletics (8 sports) I Degreed Teachers 205-987-6286 [email protected] www.westbrookchristian.org Low Teacher-Student Ratio I Weekly Chapels I Marching & Concert Bands www.valleydale.net Grades: 3K-12 Number of Students: 300 Ratio: 8:1 Est.: 1971 Size/Ratio: 605, 8:1 More Information: kingwoodchristianschool.com • 663-3973 Grades: K-12 Religious Affiliation: Christian

• Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades • High Achievement Test Scores • Master Teachers • Fine Arts and Athletics Programs • 100% of Graduates Enter College Schedule your visit today and introduce your class LOCATED ON to Birmingham’s SOUTHSIDE NEAR UAB BIGGEST ambassador. 1137 TENTH PLACE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35205 NOW ENROLLING VISITVULCAN.COM Alabama Christian Education Association and 205-933-1409 I [email protected] American Association of Christian Schools Member

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February 2018 3 Education Extra New $1.1 Million Grant to Help Support Samford’s Center for Worship and the Arts Samford University has received an additional the church and the work of God in the which will engage church $1.1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to w or l d .” leaders in creating new re- further the work of the Center for Worship and sources for student worship; the Arts. Housed in Samford’s School of the Arts, Founded as anima in 2013 with the and new writing projects, the center is advancing the conversation about help of a grant from the Christ Is Our including a book by Mathis teenage worshippers and teenage worship leaders. Salvation (C.I.O.S.) Foundation, the under contract with Baker The founding director of the Center for Worship program recently revised its name to Academic Publishing. The and the Arts, Eric Mathis arrived at Samford in the Center for Worship and the Arts. center continues to provide 2010. He holds a bachelor of Animate, its flagship online resources, an online music from Wheaton College, a summer worship lead- certificate program with ex- master of music and master of ership program retains panded goals and its summer divinity from Baylor University its current identity. program, Animate. and George W. Truett Theolog- The center is celebrat- ical Seminary and a Ph.D. in ing its fifth anniversary Other center team members theology from Fuller Theological and launching several include Tracy Hanrahan, Pro- Seminary. new initiatives thanks gram Director; Kara Young, to the additional grant, Coordinator of Pro- “We are grateful to Lilly Endow- Mathis said. motion and Engage- ment for its support of our work ment; and three Fac- and our mission as we equip New program highlights are a ulty Fellows: Emily congregations to build bridges Worship Leader Boot Camp Andrews, Instructor between student ministry and for teenagers, allowing youth of Church Music and worship ministry,” Mathis said. ministers and worship leaders Worship Leadership; “Through programs, research, Animate is one of the programs to jump start their fall pro- Joe Cory, Associate and scholarship, we are creating at Samford University’s Center for gramming with teenage youth Professor of Art; and a national platform for conver- Worship and the Arts. The five-day worship leaders; Student Wor- Chuck Stokes, Asso- sations about the relationship worship leadership program is for ship Cohorts which will develop a ciate Professor of Sociology. To learn more about between youth ministry and teens and their adult mentors. Ani- deeper relationship with congre- the Center for the Worship and the Arts: cwa@ worship ministry, and we believe mate 2018 is June 25-29, register at gations participating in Animate; samford.edu, 205-726-4525, www.samford.edu/go/animate this conversation is important for Student Worship Innovators @samfordcwa.

Working Together to Help Others: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Helping others in the community and around the OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “It is a great oppor- world is a vital part of the lives of the students and tunity for the children to learn how they can help faculty at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS). those in our community, as well as those in other Each school year, the entire school works in a variety parts of the world by working together to share our of ways to live their Christian faith by reaching out to Christian faith through service,” she said. those in need. These bright young children along with their dedicated teachers give of their time, talents, and For the remainder of the school year, some OLS treasures to people who are less fortunate. In the Fall of future projects include the “Let’s Make a Change” do- 2017, the students began their community service with nation during Catholic Schools Week where the chil- a special fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. dren and teachers collect change. A portion of the In addition, they donated shoe boxes filled with basic proceeds will benefit the Servant Sisters of the Home needed items and donated them to the Cross Catholic of the Mother supporting the mission community in Outreach’s “Box of Joy” program for poverty-stricken Ecuador. In addition, during Lent they will collect children in underprivileged countries. Annually, the food for area families and give it to the Birming- Christmas holidays is always a special time for the ham Catholic Center of Concern to distribute. On a school. During the recent holiday season, the school larger scale, they may also choose to bring monetary came together to participate in more than nine sepa- donations for the Missionary Childhood Association rate projects through charitable donations and acts of Service projects are one of the ways students for children across the globe. “We are always excited service. Each grade worked on a specific endeavor that at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School use to help others through our donations and service as ranged from visiting a nursing home to collecting toys their time and talents to help others in the a school,” said Mrs. Dorn. “We are blessed every day, for children in need. community. and we take joy in sharing our blessings with others by working together as a school community.” Learn “Participating in different projects allows our students more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School at firsthand experience in sharing with those in need,” said www.olsschool.com or call 205-879-3237.

44 www.BirminghamChristian.comwww.BirminghamChristian.com BirminghamBirmingham ChristianChristian FamilyFamily Money Matters presented by: Vision Financial Group Relief for Paying for Private K-12 Education Having just paid for two children to grad- fund a Coverdell education savings account uate from Briarwood Christian School, I and a 529 account in the same year for the wish that I could have received better tax same beneficiary without triggering a penal- breaks for paying for private education for ty. You can also claim an education tax credit grades K-12. While Coverdell Education in the same year you withdraw funds from Savings accounts allowed tax-free savings a 529 plan to pay for qualified education for K-12 qualifying expenses, they are also expenses. But your 529 plan withdrawal will subject to income limits and less generous not be completely tax free on your federal contribution limits. Under the new Tax income tax return if it’s used for the same Cuts and Jobs Act, saving for a private higher education expenses for which you’re education just became a little easier by claiming a credit. allowing income tax benefits under 529 plans to help fund private K-12 tuition. Paying for private K-12 education just got Let’s look at some of the Federal and State less expensive, however navigating the op- tax treatments for these plans and how tions may seem a little more complicated. See they may be coordinated with Coverdell your financial professional for help on how to plans and tax credits. on your state income tax per year. In general, you take advantage of these changes. won’t be required to pay income taxes to another Federal income tax treatment of qualified state simply because you opened a 529 account — Mike Mungenast, withdrawals. Contributions to 529 plans are tax in that state. But you’ll probably be taxed in your Sr. Vice President, deferred. This means that you don’t pay income state of residency on the earnings distributed by Senior Advisor tax on the plan’s earnings each year. When you your 529 plan (whatever state sponsored it) unless Vision Financial Group take out money and use it to pay for qualified your state grants a specific exemption. 4505 Pine Tree Circle, Bir- education expenses, the earnings portion of your mingham, AL 35243 withdrawal is free from federal income tax. This Deducting your contributions to a 529 plan. 205-970-4909, www.vision-financialgroup.com presents a significant opportunity to help you ac- Unfortunately, you can’t claim a federal income This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc. Investment cumulate funds for college, and now private k-12 tax deduction for your contributions to a 529 Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a education. Qualified education expenses include plan. Depending on where you live, though, you division of ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advi- tuition, fees, and books. sor. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a registered may qualify for a deduction on your state income broker-dealer and member of FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial tax return. A number of states now allow a state Group, Inc. and West Alabama Bank are independent of Pro- State income tax treatment of qualified with- income tax deduction for contributions to a 529 Equities, Inc. Securities and insurance products offered are not drawals. States differ in the 529 plan tax benefits plan only if you contribute to your own state’s 529 bank deposits, have no bank guarantee, are not FDIC insured, and may lose value. they offer to their residents. Some states may offer plan. Most of the states that provide a deduction no tax benefits, while others may exempt earnings for contributions impose a deduction cap, or limi- on qualified withdrawals from state income tax tation, on the amount of the deduction. and/or offer a deduction for contributions. Keep Gain more practical, financial insight at in mind that states may limit their tax benefits Coordination with the Coverdell education sav- www.birminghamchristian.com. Click on News/Family/Finances to individuals who participate in the in-state 529 ings account and education tax credits. You can plan. Alabama allows you to deduct up to $10,000

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