The Last Frontier 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 Alaska and across the country. There are 51 events planned in the Last Frontier State to raise awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Alaska, 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 Soldotna Chamber of Commerce student of the month luncheon January 24 at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center.

National School Choice Week provides families in Alaska 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.

“Soldotna’s educational opportunities are very diverse: we have one homeschool program, one Montessori school, one performance based school, three public elementary schools, one middle school, one prep school, one high school, and three private schools. We are excited to highlight them all to commemorate School Choice Week,” said Sara Hondel, tourism and education coordinator for the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.

“With a diversity of education options for families, Alaska demonstrates how school choice can work effectively in a largely rural state,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We are grateful that so many Alaska students, parents, teachers, and community leaders are celebrating National School Choice Week.”

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 ALASKA FAMILIES

  • According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in Alaska can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Last Frontier 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.

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