School Choice Week began in Louisiana and across America this Sunday, with the goal of raising awareness about the options that parents have for their children's education.

The Week will feature 577 events and activities across the Pelican State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations.

Nationwide, 32,240 events and activities are being organized to raise awareness during National School Choice Week (Jan. 21-27, 2018), and nearly 7 million Americans are expected to participate. It will be the largest series of education-related events and activities in U.S. history.

The Week brings attention to the different education environments that are available for Louisiana’s 1.1 million children. For example, families in Louisiana can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. The state also offers a private school choice program and tuition-free, public online schooling.

The cities of Bogalusa, Leesville, Carencro, Plaquemine, Thibodaux, Leesville, Parish of Franklin, Delhi, Golden Meadow, Haughton, Homer, and Washington have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

“We participate in National School Choice Week to allow our students an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities all while having a voice about the value of choice in education in our state,” said Lorenza Lawless, director at A Different World Academy, a private school serving 60 students in grades K to 12 in Gretna, Louisiana.

Celebrated since 2011, National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort. The Week is nonpartisan and nonpolitical, and it is not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.

“Over the past 20 years, Louisiana has expanded educational options for children and families,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “National School Choice Week is an opportunity to celebrate these options, while raising awareness about school choice to more families across the Bayou State.”

To download a guide to school choice in Louisiana, or to learn more about featured events in the Pelican State, visit https://schoolchoiceweek.com/states/Louisiana.

For information on events planned near you, please send us an email with information about your coverage area to pressoffice@schoolchoiceweek.com.

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort designed to shine a spotlight on effective education options for children. National School Choice Week celebrates all types of school options, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. Learn more at www.schoolchoiceweek.com or highlight school choice on social media using hashtag #schoolchoice