School Choice Week began in Maryland 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 479 events and activities across the Old Line State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a school fair is planned on Friday, January 26 at the Kingdom Life Church in Baltimore.

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 Maryland’s 1.4 million children. For example, families in Maryland can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The state offers a private school choice program.

The county of Prince George and the cities of Morton, Mount Rainier, District Heights, Cottage City, Morningside, and Rock Hall have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

"We have an opportunity in Baltimore to empower parents with the resources to choose the best school for their child," said Pastor Michael Phillips, board chair of Faith Leaders for Excellent schools. "This event will bring together community leaders, parents, and educators and students for a spirited conversation about the state of education in Baltimore and to recognize the immense talent we have across our city through the vast array of educational options available.”

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 in Maryland provides a great opportunity for parents to evaluate the K-12 education options available to their children,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We are grateful to the many schools, homeschool groups, community organizations and families working to raise awareness this week about opportunity in education, in a positive and inclusive way.”

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

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.