The Yellowhammer State plays key role in National School Choice Week, the largest celebration of educational opportunity in US history.

National School Choice Week begins today in Alabama and across the country. There are 242 events planned in the Yellowhammer State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Alabama, 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 January 27 at 11 a.m. at the Marriott Renaissance Ballroom in Montgomery.

The counties of Cullman and Madison; cities of Athens, Atmore, Clanton, Coosada, Daphne, Falkville, Fort Deposit, Georgiana, Greensboro, Harpersville, Huntsville, Loxley, Midland City, and Selma; and Governor Bentley have issued official proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in Alabama 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.

“The number of parents, students, and teachers who have rallied in Montgomery for the past few years demonstrates just how strong grassroots support for this issue is,” said Lesley Searcy, executive director of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund. “National School Choice Week is an opportunity to bring together families and school leaders from every corner of education around our ultimate mission: improving the future of every child through education.”

“School choice supporters in Alabama have truly harnessed the spotlight of National School Choice Week to educate citizens across the state about the importance of K-12 education options,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “Over just the last several years, the school choice options available to Alabama families have expanded significantly thanks to the work of students, parents, leaders, and lawmakers.”

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 ALABAMA FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in Alabama can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Yellowhammer 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 has programs allowing qualifying children, in some cases, to receive scholarships or tax credits to attend private schools.

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.

For more information, contact:National School Choice WeekShelby Doyle, 202-480-2927 ext. 820Director of Communications and External Relationsshelby@schoolchoiceweek.com