As in previous years, this year's National School Choice Week will be the largest ever, involving more than 21,000 schools and major celebrations nationwide.
The president of National School Choice Week, Andrew Campenella, reports that the celebration (January 20-26) includes all types of schools including charter, magnet, private schools, online academies – even home schools.
"The goal of National School Choice Week is to let parents know that there are options available and to encourage them to look into those options while they still have time for next school year," he shares.
The first National School Choice Week was in 2011, making this the ninth annual celebration. This year's observance features more than 40,000 independently planned events and activities, planned by thousands of schools, individuals, and organizations. "Spotlight Celebrations" will be taking place during the week in major cities and state capitals.
Campenella says families considering changing their children's school situation need to start now if they're going to make a shift.
"And the reason for that is because if they get the process started now, they're more likely to find an open seat in one of their preferred schoolsm," he explains. "If they wait too long, schools will not be able to staff up to meet the demand."
Campanella says parents seeking resources will find them at SchoolChoiceWeek.com. For example, a school choice guide for their state can be emailed to them. Several resources are also available in Spanish. Links School Choice By State