National School Choice Week

National School Choice Week encourages families to explore their educational options and make informed decisions for their children’s futures.

WHEN

Last week in January

Roots: First celebrated in 2011
Vibe: Community engagement and empowerment
Hashtag: #NationalSchoolChoiceWeek

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Fast facts

About 270,000Events held since 2011

Involves families from all 50 states

The story

National School Choice Week (NSCW) began in 2011 as a movement to raise awareness about educational options available to families. Each year, it is celebrated in January, uniting parents, students, educators, and advocates to promote the idea that every child deserves access to a quality education. The week features thousands of events across the country, from school fairs to community discussions, all aimed at highlighting the importance of school choice.

Read the full story

The significance of school choice is reflected in the diverse options it encompasses, including charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, homeschooling, and online learning. Families are encouraged to explore these alternatives to find the best fit for their children's individual needs. In recent years, the dialogue around school choice has expanded, focusing on equity and accessibility for underserved communities.

Interest in school choice extends beyond the United States, with various countries exploring similar educational frameworks. As families around the world seek the best educational outcomes for their children, the conversation about school choice continues to evolve, focused on helping families find the right fit.

The week culminates in a nationwide celebration, where communities come together to share stories and experiences related to school choice. From engaging in social media campaigns to attending local events, participants express their commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in the educational environment that suits them best.

Worth knowing

Explore Your Options

Discover the variety of educational paths available to your family.

Visit Local Schools

Attend open houses and tours to experience school environments firsthand.

Join the Conversation

Engage in discussions about educational choices on social media.

Support Educational Freedom

Learn about the school options available in your community.

Did you know?

First School Choice Act

The first school choice law was enacted in Wisconsin in 1990.

School Choice Growth

Over 3 million students are enrolled in charter schools nationwide.

Global Movement

Countries like Sweden and Chile have implemented school choice models.

Parental Involvement

Parents play a key role in choosing the learning environment that fits each child.

Diverse Options

School choice includes homeschooling, online education, and private institutions.

Community Events

Thousands of events occur across the country during NSCW.

Advocacy Organizations

Numerous organizations support school choice, including the American Federation for Children.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesHome to National School Choice Week, celebrating diverse educational options.
CACanadaExploring educational alternatives, including school choice discussions.
GBUnited KingdomEmphasizing parental rights in education with various schooling options.
AUAustraliaEncouraging dialogue on educational pathways and school choice.
NZNew ZealandPromoting educational choices for families and communities.
DEGermanyHighlighting alternatives to traditional schooling and educational reforms.