National School Choice Week begins today in Arizona and across the country. There are 970 events planned in the Grand Canyon State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Arizona, which are independently planned and independently funded, include everything from information sessions and open houses at schools to rallies, policy discussions, and movie screenings organized by community groups. Highlighted events include a large school fair and luncheon featuring Governor Ducey January 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the Arizona State Capitol Rose Garden.

The counties of Mohave and Yavapai; cities of Chandler, Chino Valley, Gilbert, Litchfield Park, Prescott Valley, Tombstone, Tucson, and Yuma; and Governor Ducey have issued official proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in Arizona with the opportunity to research and evaluate the K-12 school choices available for their children in advance of the 2017-2018 school year. The Week also raises awareness of the importance of providing every child with effective education options.

“There has never been a time like the current in Arizona, where we have hundreds of innovative school leaders pushing Arizona into the top tiers of academic achievement and most especially creating community schools that honor the talents and needs of students and their families. I am so proud of these school team,” said Lisa Graham Keegan, longtime education reformer.

“Arizona is a national leader in providing families with a robust menu of education options,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “These choices and opportunities will be celebrated by hundreds of thousands of Arizona students, parents, and teachers.”

With a goal of raising public awareness of effective education options for children, National School Choice Week will be the largest celebration of education options in US history.

SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR ARIZONA FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in Arizona can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Grand Canyon State can choose from the following education options for their children: traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling. The state also allows parents to select the best traditional public school, regardless of where the school is located. The state also has a program allowing qualifying children, in some cases, to receive scholarships to attend private schools.

ABOUT NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

  • National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort spotlighting effective education options for children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. The Week runs from January 22-28, 2017. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.