National School Choice Week begins today in Missouri and across the country. There are 368 events planned in the Show-Me State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Missouri, 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 February 2 at 11 a.m. at the Missouri State Capitol rotunda.

The counties of Warren, Scott, Schuyler, Wright, Clark, and McDonald have issued official proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in Missouri 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.

“Missouri's charter schools have proven that when parents have a choice and students attend the public school best for them they do succeed,” said Douglas Thaman, executive director of the Missouri Charter Public School Association. “Parents and students who have benefitted from public school choice are eager to rally in the Capitol and send a message to Missouri’s legislators that it's time in Missouri to expand public school choice beyond Kansas City and St. Louis.”

"Research shows that school choice increases student achievement, boosts graduation rates, and provides children with the tools and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "During National School Choice Week, Missouri families will raise awareness of the benefits of school choice, while speaking out about the importance of expanding opportunity to even more families."

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 MISSOURI FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in Missouri can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Show-Me 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. In some parts of the state, open enrollment policies allow parents to select the best traditional public school, regardless of where the school is located.

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.