School Choice Week began in Hawaii 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 80 events and activities across the Aloha State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a celebration is planned on Thursday, January 25 at the State Capitol Rotunda.

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 Hawaii’s 310,000 children. For example, families in Hawaii can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling.

The county of Maui has issued a proclamation recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

“We always love using National School Choice Week as a springboard to talk about school choice in Hawaii. We want all families to have access to more opportunity in our state,” said Maria Pauley, principal at Lanakila Baptist School, a private school serving 160 students in grades kindergarten through 12.

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.

“During School Choice Week in Hawaii, we encourage parents to learn more about the options available for their children’s education,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We are grateful that so many schools, organizations, homeschool groups, and community leaders are using this week as an opportunity to celebrate their success.”

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

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.