School Choice Week began in Oregon 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 313 events and activities across the Beaver State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a policy forum is planned on Saturday, January 27, at the Embassy Suites in Tigard.

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 Oregon’s more than 860,000 children. For example, families in Oregon can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. The state also offers tuition-free, public online schooling.

The county of Baker and the cities of Harrisburg, Canyonville, Siletz, Medford, North Plains, and West Linn have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

“Our school believes that every child has his own way of learning and time for learning things. National School Choice Week allows us to celebrate that learning and our students and families,” said Mike Kerns, principal at Child’s Way Charter School, serving 51 students in grades 5 to 12 in Culp Creek, Oregon.

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.

“School Choice Week is an exciting time for Oregon students, parents, and teachers,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “It is an opportunity for parents to research the education options available for their children, and also a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the many incredible educators and school leaders in the state.”

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

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.