National School Choice Week begins today in Texas and across the country. There are 1593 events planned in the Lone Star State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Texas, 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 rally for school choice January 24 at 10 a.m. at the state capitol building, south steps.

The counties of Terrell, Lynn, Collin, Shackelford, and Medina; cities of Anthony, Balch Springs, Brazoria, Burnet, Caldwell, Cleveland, Colorado City, Combes, Combine, Ferris, Friendswood, Hackberry, Hamlin, Hillsboro, Honey Grove, Irving, Italy, Lyford, Manor, Marion, Mexia, Midland, Nacogdoches, New Boston, Nocona, Sachse, San Benito, Shenandoah, Tahoka, Tomball, Trinity, and Woodville; and Governor Abbott have issued official proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in Texas 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.

"We are grateful that so many Texas families are working alongside teachers, community leaders, and elected officials to celebrate opportunity in education during National School Choice Week 2017," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "This week represents the largest series of education-related events in Texas history."

“This annual event is a reminder to our legislators that parents in Texas want more education freedom,” said event organizer Randan Steinhauser. “The demand for more school choice is widespread and it’s time for Texas to join the growing number of states that allow parents the opportunity to choose their child’s education.”

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 TEXAS FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in Texas can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Lone Star 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. The state also allows 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.