Each student is unique, and every parent should feel empowered to choose a school that nurtures their child’s individuality. That’s why National School Choice Week encourages parents to choose the best education option for their children.
What is National School Choice Week?
Hosted annually at the end of January, schools, organizations, and families gather nationwide to raise awareness about school choice. Since its creation in 2011, there have been 270,000 school choice events and activities with more than 27,000 participating schools and homeschool communities.
Why School Choice Matters
Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. With the power to choose, families can seek a schooling option that caters to their needs and reap benefits like improved academic outcomes and higher student engagement. Overall, children feel inspired, motivated, and happy when they’re set up for success in a learning environment best suited for them!
Tips for Exploring Your Education Options
Why Ask yourself and your child what matters most to you in a school. Is it academics, school safety, an educational theme or focus, an instruction style, the school’s values, the qualifications of teachers, the size of classes, or other factors? Make a list of what you want to prioritize in your child’s learning experience and review it when searching for a school.
Timing It’s never too early to search for a new school. While some parents may prefer to wait for summer to search, seats in great schools can fill up quickly. Options also vary if you need an educational solution fast—like midway through the year—so explore them sooner rather than later.
Types of Schools Discover what schools are available to you in your area or state. Some states offer “open enrollment” in public schools, which empowers parents to send their children to schools in different districts. Other states and localities have charter and magnet schools. In some states, you can receive scholarships (publicly or privately funded) to send your children to private and faith-based schools. There are even full-time online schools! Research diligently to find the right choice for you.
How to Celebrate School Choice Week
Parents, students, and educators have plenty of opportunities to join the celebration this year and beyond.
Attend a local event Celebrate with fellow parents and students by visiting the National School Choice Week website to find a school fair or capital celebration near you.
Share your story If school choice has made a difference in your life, share your story to inspire others on social media. You can tag the official National School Choice Week accounts on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Do the National School Choice Dance Learn, move, and groove to raise awareness for school choice. Watch the dance tutorial and share your video with #SchoolChoiceWeek.
Donate If you can, donations are accepted to support the organization and provide a state-choice guide to parents.