National School Choice Week begins today in North Carolina and across the country. There are 586 events planned in the Tar Heel State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in North Carolina, 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 choice celebration January 24 at the Foundation for the Carolinas.

The counties of Union and Pasquotank and cities of Bethel, Charlotte, Clemmons, Enfield, Garysburg, Goldsboro, Harrisburg, Hope Mills, Lake Lure, Mint Hill, Morehead City, Mount Olive, Raeford, Wesley Chapel, and West Jefferson have issued official proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in North Carolina 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.

“Children’s Scholarship Fund-Charlotte is excited about being involved in School Choice Week this year. Hosting this event will give our participating independent schools and homeschools an opportunity to showcase their programs to parents who seek education options for their children (grades K-8) in the 2017-2018 academic year,” said Ann Barnes, executive director of the Children’s Scholarship Fund-Charlotte.

“Over the last 10 years, educational opportunities for children and families in North Carolina have grown significantly,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “This is something to celebrate, and National School Choice Week will provide an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the hard work and cooperation that made these choices a reality.”

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 NORTH CAROLINA FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in North Carolina can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Tar Heel 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 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.