School Choice Week began in Washington 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 448 events and activities across the Evergreen State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations.

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 Washington’s more than 1.6 million children. For example, families in Washington 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 accommodating. The state also offers tuition-free, public online schooling.

The cities of Colville, Entiat, Enumclaw, Deer Park, Wenatchee, Waterville, and Westport have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

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.

“Over the last few years, families in Washington have benefited from an increase in educational options for their children,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We encourage parents to use National School Choice Week as a time to evaluate the different types of schools and education settings available for students.”

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

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.