Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders from across Idaho will gather at the capitol to support access to a wide variety of educational options at a day of events timed to coincide with National School Choice Week (January 21-27, 2018), which will feature more than 32,000 events across the country.

The activities, planned for January 25 beginning at 10:00 a.m., will feature student and school exhibitions in the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a performance program in the Capitol Building’s Lincoln Auditorium at 12:30 p.m. More than 800 people are expected to celebrate educational choice at the Idaho State Capitol.

The goal of the event is to highlight educational options for Idaho students and share stories of how educational opportunity is being exercised.

“We love Alturas. This is our second year and we continue to see so much progress in our kids, the teachers, the administration and the school itself,” said Heather B., a parent of a student at Alturas International Academy, a public charter school in Idaho Falls. “The school environment is more challenging and aggressive. We love the self-discipline and respect for self and others that is being taught. It is obvious they are working to build future leaders!”

“Our students really understand and take advantage of this great opportunity. Students are supported academically in such a way as to accommodate their college pursuits (while in high school) and the other interests that make their lives rewarding and enjoyable,” said Tera Reeves, principal of Idaho Distance Education Academy. “School shouldn’t just be about checking boxes, but about learning, thriving and following your passions.”

Event planners include Bluum and Idaho Charter School Network, Northwest Professional Educators, and a wide variety of school leaders representing all forms of choice in Idaho.

Held every January, National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort designed to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options for every child. Through more than 32,000 independently planned events across the country, National School Choice Week raises public awareness of all types of educational choices available to children. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling.