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Spotlighting 15 All-Star Schools for 15 Years of NSCW

As National School Choice Week (NSCW) celebrates its 15th anniversary, we reflect on the many schools that have consistently supported and celebrated this movement. These 15 All-Star schools have been with us from the beginning, empowering parents in their communities and demonstrating a long-standing commitment to educational choice. They recognize the importance of providing families with tailored educational options that best meet their needs. 

Each of these schools has played a significant role in shaping the conversation about school choice in their communities, and their ongoing participation showcases their dedication to creating an environment where students can thrive.

From organizing field trips to showing appreciation for first responders and parents in their communities, these 15 schools play a key role in creating environments that support students and their families

15 Schools “In” for School Choice Week from the Beginning

St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero, Illinois – Celebrating Since 2012

St. Frances of Rome School is a private Pre-K-8 school located in Cicero, Illinois. Since its start in 1924, the school has been dedicated to providing families with a faith-based education. With 167 students at the heart of their mission, families of their community appreciate the strong sense of community, academic excellence, and emphasis on character development that the school provides. The faculty and staff work tirelessly to help students reach their full potential by introducing values of compassion, integrity, and service. As they celebrate a legacy of 100 years, the school looks forward to building a bright future for generations to come.

Celebrating National School Choice Week at St. Frances of Rome School underscores our commitment to offering families the chance to select a Catholic education for their children. It’s a moment to honor the importance of educational freedom and our school’s distinctive role in nurturing students into saints and scholars. National School Choice Week allows us to reflect on the advantages of our personalized, faith-based learning approach and to share the positive impact of our school’s academic, spiritual, and moral development programs with the broader community. We are proud to give families an option where faith, learning, and community unite.

– St. Frances of Rome School

St. Frances of Rome School will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary and a 100th Anniversary Celebration. Their festivities will include an open house with school tours, a student art exhibit, and a book fair. There will also be a scarf giveaway and photo opportunity, a craft night, and students will write thank-you cards to their parents. Additionally, there will be a dress-down day for school choice, including a yellow spirit day and a lunch for Cicero’s first responders, including a fire station tour for Pre-K and Kindergarten students.

Clover Garden School in Burlington, North Carolina – Celebrating Since 2013

Clover Garden School, a K-12 public charter school in Burlington, North Carolina, has been serving nearly 1,000 students since its opening in 2001. The school is built on three pillars: Academics, Honor, and Community. It prioritizes the importance of community relationships while challenging students to excel academically and develop strong moral character. High expectations are set for respectful behavior, reinforced by a code of conduct and honor code. The school celebrates alumni who return as parents or educators, signifying a deep-rooted community connection. Clover Garden School prides itself on being a family-oriented environment, creating a “home away from home” for its students.

Clover Garden School (CGS) will celebrate NSCW as a featured school in January through a series of activities uniting its two campuses. The student council will organize activities like “Family Game Night,” a “Hallway Door Decorating Competition,” and an “I Love My School Dance.” The overall focus for the month will be on the importance of coming together to celebrate school choice awareness in the community.

“Celebrating National School Choice Week is very important to our school community as we celebrate the opportunity to exist as a school of choice for our Grizzly families! Our small school allows our students to thrive and build a school family in a small and intimate setting. We are a K-12 school which allows our students to grow up right before our eyes from the start of their educational journey until the end. We are so proud to be a school of choice for the county of Alamance. It’s so important for our community to have choices for students and their education. National School Choice week reminds everyone that our students come first and parents having the choice to choose what best fits their student helps set them up for success and happiness for the long term future! We love our school and we love National School Choice Week!”

– Clover Garden School

Redeemer Lutheran School in Salt Lake City, Utah – Celebrating Since 2013

Redeemer Lutheran School is an infant-8 private school in Salt Lake City, Utah providing a personalized faith-based approach to education. The school prioritizes its 55 students, putting them at the center of everything they do. Families express their satisfaction with the caring ‘family’ atmosphere, which supports each student in reaching their full potential.

Redeemer Lutheran School will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary with a special spirit week in conjunction with National Lutheran Schools Week featuring a field trip to the Classic Fun Center, a family game night as well as spirit-themed days, community service event, and student choir performances. 

“Celebrating NSCW means a chance to celebrate us along with the unique Christ-centered environment we have for our educational program.”

– Redeemer Lutheran School

Canoe Creek School in Saint Cloud, Florida – Celebrating Since 2013

Canoe Creek K8 is a traditional public school and Osceola County’s leading Environmental STEM school, serving 1,144 students. Since 2020, the school has focused on hands-on learning experiences that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With an on-site nature preserve and gardens, students engage in exploration and inquiry. The E-STEM curriculum prepares them for future challenges.

Canoe Creek K-8 has planned a variety of activities to celebrate NSCW and emphasize the importance of educational choice. The school will feature daily “Did You Know?” postings about classroom activities and sharing an NSCW Activity Box on social media, enabling students to participate from home. One highlight will be the NSCW Dance Video, showcasing student spirit and collaboration through performance.These events are designed to bring the school community together, encouraging students, families, and staff to “Rise, Conquer, Shine” as they explore the educational opportunities available to them.

“National School Choice Week is an important opportunity to celebrate the diverse educational options available to families and to highlight the power of making the right educational choice for each child. At CCK8, it means empowering our students to embrace their full potential. We firmly believe that every child has unique talents and abilities, and through the right environment and support, they can ‘Rise, Conquer, Shine.’

During this week, we are reminded of the commitment we have to challenge each other to grow, overcome obstacles, and excel in all of our endeavors. It’s a chance to celebrate the achievements of our students, showcase the variety of learning opportunities we provide, and inspire the community to support educational choices that best meet the needs of every child. At CCK8, National School Choice Week serves as a reaffirmation that with the right tools, guidance, and mindset, all students can thrive and reach their greatest potential.”

– Canoe Creek School

Parker Elementary School in Houston, Texas – Celebrating Since 2013

Parker Elementary School, a K-5 public magnet school in Houston, Texas, has been serving students since 1959. With 921 students, it offers a fine arts program alongside strong academic performance, exceeding district and state averages. Families appreciate the inclusive and supportive environment, where a diverse community has created social-emotional growth alongside learning. Parker’s experienced and dedicated staff are praised for their commitment to student success, and the active Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) enhances resources and organizes engaging events. Parker emphasizes safety and core values like respect and responsibility, making it a popular choice for families in Houston ISD.

Parker Music Elementary School is celebrating NSCW with an exciting lineup of activities that highlight its exceptional fine arts program. Students will share heartfelt testimonials about the transformative power of Parker’s professional-level music education, which encompasses band, guitar, piano, chorus, violin, and cello. The celebration will also feature the NSCW dance, performed by students with energy and pride, along with a spirited mini-parade.

“Celebrating National School Choice Week at Parker Elementary School means honoring the opportunity for students to access professional-level teachers who specialize in band, guitar, piano, chorus, violin, and cello. This week highlights the school’s unique ability to offer a fine arts magnet program where students can receive expert instruction in these disciplines, often from educators with extensive experience and a passion for nurturing young talent. For Parker Elementary, National School Choice Week is a celebration of the power of choice in education—where families can select a school that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also fosters artistic growth and creativity through professional-level mentorship. It’s a testament to the transformative impact of high-quality, specialized education on the lives of students.”

– Parker Elementary School

Seaton Elementary School in Washington D.C. – Celebrating Since 2014

Seaton Elementary School will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for its 15th anniversary with a pep-rally during the after-school program to express their love for the school. Students will participate in short performances that will include dancing, stepping, singing, and more.

Reach Homeschool Group in Grove, Virginia – Celebrating Since 2014

Reach Homeschool Group is a Pre K-12 homeschool support group based in Spotsylvania/Locust Grove, Virginia, serving families in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Since its start in 1999, the group has grown to over 650 families, offering classes, workshops, field trips, dances, and graduations. They strive to provide homeschool students with opportunities similar to those in public schools. As they celebrate their 25th year, they continue to strengthen community ties and work together to educate their students for the future.

Reach Homeschool Group will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary with an event honoring homeschool parents. They will provide a dinner celebration for the parents, where students will serve the meal as a gesture of gratitude. The students will create cards to give to their parents and celebrate the homeschooled students with a pizza party. The students will also make a rope chain to hang around the church, showcasing what they enjoy most about being homeschooled.

“We celebrate NSCW because it gives us the freedom to homeschool. It gives parents control over their children’s education and what they are learning.  As a result, homeschool students thrive with the one-on-one interaction, and they do well in a homeschool environment.  As homeschoolers we are learning every day and as new challenges appear they learn to interact and solve issues and become independent thinkers and have the desire to learn on their own.  We are thankful for the opportunity to homeschool our children and as parents we want to make our children successful and having knowledge to impact their community when they have finished school.”

– Reach Homeschool Group

David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy in Lafayette, Louisiana – Celebrating Since 2014

David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy is a 6th-12th grade public magnet school in Lafayette, Louisiana, established in 2012. The school focuses on developing lifelong learners through problem-solving and real-world applications, offering specialized coursework in Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Technology. With over 1,300 students, families appreciate the school’s dedication to academic excellence and the holistic development of each student.

“DTSMA chooses to celebrate National School Choice Week each year because it encompasses the basis of our school.  We rely 100% on our students, parents and community to ‘Choose DTSMA.'”

– David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy

Beatrice Mayes Institute in Houston, Texas – Celebrating Since 2014

Beatrice Mayes Institute (BMI) serves students in grades K-8; BMI prioritizes a nurturing and inclusive environment, supporting around 500 students in both academic and personal growth. As one of the longest-serving African-American schools in the area, BMI has earned multiple accolades from the Texas Education Agency for its achievements in post-secondary readiness, reading, science, and social studies. The school is also noted for its strong involvement in local STEAM and robotics competitions. With a focus on excellence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to youth, BMI fosters a strong sense of community among families and encourages all students to pursue their dreams.

Beatrice Mayes Institute is celebrating National School Choice Week during its 15th anniversary with a special spirit week. Activities include students receiving stickers, learning the NSCW dance, and teachers getting yellow wristlets. Students create “I Love My School” placards for social media, while everyone participates in a “Yellow Day.” The week features a virtual roundtable with the Superintendent and concludes with middle schoolers performing the dance for K-6th grades, which is recorded for YouTube.

In 2021 We…

Did you know that in 2021, we launched our iconic yellow “I Love My School” wristbands? These wristbands serve as a bright reminder to celebrate school choice and to honor the schools and educators who lead the way.

Evergreen Charter School in Hempstead, New York – Celebrating Since 2017

Evergreen Charter School is a K-12 public charter school located in Hempstead, New York. Since its start in 2009, the school has been dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment focused on academic excellence, with a commitment to addressing the needs of the whole child. Students are at the heart of everything the school does, and families often express their appreciation for the staff and the family-like atmosphere.

To celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary, Evergreen Charter School will learn and perform the official 2025 NSCW dance. The school plans to film a special recording of the dance in December and will host a viewing party in January during the NSCW week. The festivities will include t-shirts, balloon arches, and more!

Celebrating NSCW means that we support families’ right to choose the best educational option that meets the needs of their children. 

– Evergreen Charter School

Horizon Heights Elementary School in El Paso, Texas – Celebrating Since 2017

Horizon Heights Elementary School in El Paso is a Pre K – 5 traditional public school that has been dedicated to helping children reach their maximum potential since 1983. With a student body of 950, the school places its students at the center of everything it does. Families appreciate the nurturing environment provided by teachers, who are considered the heart and soul of the school. At Horizon Heights, the sense of community is strong, and the school prides itself on its family-like atmosphere.

Horizon Heights Elementary School is set to celebrate NSCW as a featured school with a spirited “Readers become Leaders” Week. Activities will include a book scavenger hunt, a cozy Bedtime Stories day in pajamas, and a Read Aloud Day featuring district dignitaries engaging with students. The school will also host a door Decorating Contest focused on favorite novels, culminating in a lively Book Character Parade where students will dress as their favorite characters and enjoy reading activities in the library.

“Celebrating National School Choice Week is a great opportunity to highlight the amazing work that our team accomplishes daily. Our school has heart and our scholars know that when they come to school, they are loved and valued. This is a special time for us to celebrate literacy as our community doesn’t have a public library.  We are committed to ensuring all scholars are strong readers. We have a beautiful motto, ‘Readers become LEADERS.'”

– Horizon Heights Elementary School

In 2021 We…

In 2021, we launched our digital backpacks, including a special version for schools. These digital backpacks come with everything you need, from desktop backgrounds to digital stickers, to help schools make their National School Choice Week celebrations all the more memorable.

Eagle Learning Center in Oregon, Ohio – Celebrating Since 2021

Eagle Learning Center will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary with a week of student and community engagement activities. Local daycare centers and senior centers are invited to join in the outdoor festivities, which will include a hot cocoa and coffee station and various games and activities. The celebration also marks their 19th year of educational success.

Southeast Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada – Celebrating Since 2022

Southeast Career and Technical Academy is a public magnet high school and career technical academy located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since 1966, the school has been dedicated to empowering students with the tools for success in their future educational and professional careers. Students are at the heart of everything the academy does, and families appreciate sending their children there due to its student life, quality education, exciting programs, and strong sports teams, among other benefits. Students at SECTA have the opportunity to graduate high school with up to 21 college credits.

Southeast Career and Technical Academy will celebrate NSCW as a featured school for their 15th anniversary with a Winter Spirit Week. A photo booth will be set up during lunch periods for students to take pictures with school choice swag and receive treats for posting them. At the special assembly, the status as a school choice All-Star featured school will be announced, complete with a DJ to energize the crowd. Students will also receive spirit items, including clappers, pom-poms, spirit beads, and spirit sticks to join in the celebration.

Students First Foundation / Smart Schools LLC in Gilbert, Arizona – Celebrating Since 2023

Students First Foundation and Smart Schools LLC will celebrate their 15th anniversary during NSCW with a fundraising event that supports scholarships. This event will also provide information for parents interested in enrolling their children in private schools.

The Ferguson School in Decatur, Georgia – Celebrating Since 2024

The Ferguson School is a K-5 microschool located in Decatur, Georgia. Since its start in 2021, the school has been dedicated to providing culturally inclusive education that promotes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and a faith-based approach. With 19 students at the heart of its mission, families express their appreciation for the school’s commitment to creating an intellectually, physically, and emotionally safe environment for young learners.

The Ferguson School will celebrate National School Choice Week (NSCW) as a featured school for its 15th anniversary with a school fair and field trip event. They will host a school fair and a field trip involving their educational ecosystem, which includes The Ferguson School (microschool), The Nia School (learning pod), The Lighthouse School (microschool), Brave Place Learning Space (learning pod), and Cristo Rey (private school). Additional NSCW activities include a trip to the Lego Discovery Center, school decorating, and a virtual open house.

“Celebrating National School Choice Week means honoring families’ choices for their child’s education. At our school, we celebrate the bravery and trust of parents who choose nontraditional learning environments such as microschools and learning pods. We find fun, engaging opportunities for learners to share their work that encourages a sense of pride and confidence in being a part of a strong movement in education.”

– The Ferguson School

In 2024 We…

Did you know that in 2024, we launched our lovable mascot, Owlbert? This cuddly stuffed owl inspires curiosity and a passion for learning and school choice, engaging both children and adults to spark excitement about educational opportunities.

Celebrating 15 Years of Opportunity

These 15 schools have demonstrated that National School Choice Week is more than just a week of celebrations; it is a year-round commitment to empowering families and uplifting children in their communities to find the best educational fit for their needs. By participating in NSCW year after year, they have helped build a stronger, more informed community of educators, parents, and students. 

Here’s to 15 years of progress and the lasting influence these schools will continue to have on their communities.

To view all schools celebrating near you, check out our event breakdown by state.