School Choice Week began in Maine 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 108 events and activities across the Pine Tree State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a celebration is planned on Monday, January 22 at the State House Hall of Flags.

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 Maine’s 260,000 children. For example, families in Maine can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. The state's public school open enrollment policy is one of the nation's broadest and most accommodatingThe state also offers a private school choice program and tuition-free, public online schooling.

Governor Paul LePage issued an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 21-27 as Maine School Choice Week. In addition, the cities of Peru, Cornville, Woodstock, and Waterville have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

“We participate in National School Choice Week because one of our strongest tenets is that all students want to learn, but they don't all learn in the same type of environment. We like to take the time to recognize that our school is different. To know that other schools around the country are also celebrating their uniqueness is a wonderful way to build confidence in our own school model,” said Melanie LaFrinea, president of Poland Spring Academy, a private nonprofit school serving 45 students in grades PK to 12 in Poland, Maine.

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.

“National School Choice Week is a time to celebrate the education options available for parents and children in Maine,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “It is also an important time to recognize the hard work of educators and school administrators across the state, who are encouraging children to pursue their interests and their dreams.”

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

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