School Choice Week began in Rhode Island 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 95 events and activities across the Ocean State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a rally is planned on Thursday, January 25 at the Rhode Island State House.

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 Rhode Island’s more than 210,000 children. For example, families in Rhode Island can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The state offers a private school choice program.

The city of Little Compton has issued a proclamation recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

“We are excited to have a variety of our private schools across the state join the celebration of school choice in Rhode Island. Every January, we gather at the State House to make sure our leaders hear how important expanding school choice is to families across Rhode Island,” said Sheila Konis, director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice.

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.

“We are grateful to the many students, parents, educators, and community leaders in Rhode Island who are raising awareness about opportunity in education during National School Choice Week." "Parents across the Ocean State should use this week as an opportunity to evaluate the best K-12 education environments for their children.”

To download a guide to school choice in Rhode Island, or to learn more about featured events in the Ocean State, visit https://schoolchoiceweek.com/states/rhode-island.

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.