National School Choice Week 2025 is approaching in just a few weeks, and I am thrilled about what’s shaping up to take place across the country. Out of tens of thousands of events taking place in a single week, 67 large-scale “flagship” events are planned in 39 states. As the Director of Awareness Events on the Events and Partnerships team, I work closely with the organizers of these flagship events. I am thrilled to share details about a few of them to provide a glimpse into NSCW 2025.

Event Highlights for National School Choice Week 2025

It can be challenging to decide which events to showcase when my colleagues and I are working on 67 flagship events. However, I am thrilled to share five of the celebrations that I am particularly excited about, taking place from January 26 to February 1, 2025.

While these events may be a glimpse of the celebrations, there are so many other amazing events happening around the country. To get a better idea of what National School Choice Week has in store, check out our flagship event round-up page. Brace yourself for an epic week of celebration! Hold on to your yellow scarf – it’s going to be a memorable ride!

Between January 26 and February 1, National School Choice Week 2025 will kick off with celebrations across the country! Tens of thousands of events honoring the diverse school choices available to families will take place in a single week, including over 1,100 “All Star” events in all 50 states.

Event Highlights for National School Choice Week 2025

Deciding which All Star events to feature will never be easy – with over 1,100 All Star events and more than 24,000 school activities expected this year alone, there will be so much to celebrate! However, I’m excited to share a selection of unique celebrations that will truly capture the spirit of National School Choice Week 2025. From student-planned spirit weeks to large community gatherings, these events will showcase the passion and creativity of schools and families nationwide.

Stay tuned as we dive into these amazing celebrations, and thank you for joining us as we look forward to the power of National School Choice Week!

Community Service

Community service events feel really special. Whether it’s organizing food drives, participating in clean-up efforts, or volunteering at local shelters, these experiences are all about giving back.

Spirit Weeks

Many schools host spirit weeks filled with fun and excitement for students, but these particular schools are hosting unique themed days.

School Fairs

Field Trips

I have a special fondness for celebrating field trips! These events bring together kids, teachers, and parents in an exciting atmosphere, making them a fantastic way to step away from the typical school routine.

Unique Events

Although each event has its own unique features, here are some extra unique celebrations that sound like so much fun for all involved. 

These are only 11 of the amazing events that are taking place around the country! To get a better idea of how your state celebrated National School Choice Week, check out your state’s roundup of spotlighted events, proclamations from elected officials, press releases, and more!

All Star Events by State

As we get ready to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of National School Choice Week (NSCW) in January 2025, we’re feeling grateful for the special community, cherished traditions, and remarkable growth that have transformed NSCW into the largest celebration of educational opportunity in the nation. From coast-to-coast train tours to almost 300,000 events, meetings, and activities, each year has contributed to the Week, which unites students, families, and educators across America. Here’s a look at the moments that have shaped NSCW over the years. 

What is National School Choice Week? 

National School Choice Week celebrates educational opportunities for all students. Every last week of January, millions of families, educators, and advocates will participate in a variety of events, meetings, and activities—from rallies to celebrations in state capitals, and more—to promote school choice and educational opportunities.  

When NSCW first began, the mission was clear—to raise awareness about effective education options for children:

What makes the Week different is its all-inclusive approach to raising awareness about school choice: traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional learning environments are all invited to join in and be given equal billing in the options we celebrate parents having for their children.

Each January, we partner with schools, homeschool organizations, and nonprofits nationwide to shine a positive spotlight on tens of thousands of activities that reach millions of people. These efforts highlight the importance of educational opportunities in K–12 education. 

The Yellow Scarf That Unites a Nation 

A yellow scarf is emblematic of a school choice supporter, thanks to the millions worn by students, teachers, and parents over the last 15 years at NSCW events. Chosen for its bright color, similar to a classic yellow school bus, the scarf represents education and unity. The simple and versatile design is suitable for kids, parents, and educators of all ages and can be worn over any outfit, allowing everyone to join in on the colorful celebrations.

Each January, tens of thousands of people across the country wear these scarves as a sign of support for school choice and love for their schools. To the world of school choice supporters, the scarf is a statement of optimism for better educational opportunities for every child. 

The Growth of School Choice Week Events 

What began as dozens of local celebrations has evolved into an annual movement with more than 280,000 events, celebrations, and activities over 15 years. During the first year, NSCW partnered with schools and organizations to host 150 in-person events showcasing the voices of students, parents, and educators. 

Each year, thousands of schools, homeschool groups, organizations, and individuals plan events ranging from open houses and school fairs to student showcases and rallies. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation team supports these events with logistics and communications efforts that share organizers’ messages with the public. 

These community efforts have helped raise awareness of educational options and inspired millions to explore their choices. 

The Train and Bus Journeys That Connected a Nation 

One of the most memorable chapters in NSCW’s history was the 2014 Whistlestop Tour. Modeled after historic American whistlestop tours, NSCW organizers embarked on a 3,800-mile journey, stopping in 14 cities across the country, from Grand Central Station in New York City to Union Station in Los Angeles.

First traveling by train, and then by bus, in 2015, school choice advocates, families, and educators gathered at each stop to celebrate educational opportunities for families.

This cross-country journey united students, parents, educators, and community leaders to honor the diverse school choice options available and to call for expanded access nationwide.  

Our Schools Program 

The National School Choice Week’s Schools Program has been instrumental in making it easier for schools to participate in NSCW. Through the program, schools receive planning guides, resources, and materials to host their own events, meetings, and activities. What began as a small initiative has grown into a widespread program that empowers schools and homeschool groups to bring NSCW into their communities. 

By supporting these locally organized events, the Schools Program has allowed NSCW to meet families where they are, bringing the school choice message directly to communities across all 50 states. 

Looking Forward 

Over the years, NSCW has touched countless lives, from parents discovering new options for their children to students and teachers celebrating great learning environments together. The Week continues to change families’ lives every year, as participants and parents from across the country continue to share with us. In this decade, families’ choices are growing and evolving more quickly than ever, and NSCW will only grow in scale and significance as it kickstarts school choice journeys across the country. 

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of student success. When schools actively encourage and facilitate meaningful family participation, the entire educational community benefits. From improved academic performance to better behavioral outcomes, the positive effects of engaged parents are undeniable. Schools and districts nationwide are finding creative ways to inspire family involvement.

The Importance of Encouraging Parental Involvement in Schools

Encouraging parental involvement in schools helps bridge the gap between the home and the educational environment, providing students with the support they need to thrive. Whether through volunteering, attending back-to-school meetings, or taking part in school decisions, parents’ engagement supports both their children and the school community.

When parents, teachers, and school leaders work together, students benefit academically and emotionally. Parents who take part in school events help build stronger communication between families and teachers. This leads to extra support for students who need it and a clearer understanding of what students need to succeed—all of which help schools improve. By actively engaging parents, schools create a more inclusive and effective educational experience.

Scroll down through the page to get an idea of how schools, districts, and organizations we work with during National School Choice Week foster parental involvement all year-round!

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations offer additional support to both schools and families. In Maryland, Impact Humanity Inc. holds an annual Community Impact Day.

Founder Antonio Beard explains:“Our schools thrive because of the powerful partnerships we foster with families, local businesses, and organizations that share our mission of empowering students for the future. Family nights and open houses across our district provide families with opportunities to actively engage with their children’s education. From our active Parent-Teacher Organizations (P.T.O.s) at every school to the booster clubs that ensure our high school students have the resources and experiences they need, the commitment from our parents is unparalleled.”

On a district level, Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona hosts events such as community and family engagement sessions.

Director Amanda deNight says:“These events stand as a testament to our collaborative spirit. These gatherings connect parent volunteers, faith leaders, and local business owners with our school principals, facilitating conversations that lead to school improvements and student success. Our district thrives because of the strong relationships we build with families and community members who are deeply invested in our students’ success. By fostering these partnerships, we not only enhance the educational experience but also strengthen the bonds that tie our schools to the broader Queen Creek community. Together, we’re shaping a future where every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to excel.”

Academic and Student Support Programs

Schools offer a range of programs to help parents actively support their children’s academic growth. At McKissick Academy, Whitney Moore describes how they bridge the gap between home and school:

“We offer Title I family nights, where families come into the school to participate in activities and see evidence of their child’s learning. We also host four Parent Workshops centered around literacy. Some examples of these sessions include working on phonics at home and understanding story problems. Families are also included in our Shark of the Month breakfast to celebrate their child’s success at school. We offer early literacy workshops for families in our community with children who are too young for school. During these workshops, we model early literacy skills, give families a book, and provide an activity they can complete at home.”

Similarly, Bel-Aire Elementary in Florida holds tech-focused events to help parents navigate the digital side of education.

Brittany Gibson, a school representative, shares the following:“We invited all of the Kindergarten parents to a ‘Parent Assistance’ afternoon to explain how they can access the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal has access to the student’s grades, attendance, and upcoming assignments through Schoology. We also encouraged them to become school volunteers in the school and explained the process.”

Art and Cultural Engagement

At the Arkansas Arts Academy, parents are invited to engage with their children’s creative projects through the school’s mission of arts integration.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Allison Roberts explains: “We held a Grand Opening Ceremony for our A3 Gallery. A gallery space dedicated to highlighting the creative responses from all students K-12, open to the public, and a space where our community can experience art education and arts integration through firsthand experiences. Whether our students are making, performing, or exhibiting, we provide our students with venues for this highest level of critical thinking and creative response. “

The district also offers numerous volunteer opportunities and recognizes these contributions through an end-of-year celebration in which each volunteer receives a piece of student art as a gift.

“A.A.A. offers many opportunities for parents to volunteer. We have a school foundation- our fundraising arm, and also a very active P.T.A. and P.T.S.A. We are holding our first volunteer celebration at the end of the school year in tribute to all of our school volunteers- providing them with a piece of student art as a gift.”

Parent Engagement and Volunteering

Many schools begin the year with events designed to connect parents with the school community and with each other. For example, Holm Elementary School in Denver hosted several events to build early engagement.

According to Principal April Jones: “At our Meet and Greet, students and families had an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher, receive important information about the upcoming year, grab a popsicle, and, if needed, receive a free backpack filled with school supplies (donated by a local church). On August 29th, Holm held their first Dine Out event at Raising Cane’s. Many of our families attended this event. The proceeds from this event will help our parent group sponsor different events throughout the year, such as the end-of-the-year carnival, guest speakers, performances, and after-school clubs. Then, on September 12th, Holm hosted their Back to School Night. Over 200 families showed up to learn about what has been happening in their child’s classroom, the curriculum used, and how being a Title 1 school guarantees them certain rights. We had a lot of fun. We even had a visit from our mascot, ‘The Lil’ Husky.’ Hosting all these fun events ensures that we are always thinking of ways to feel safe and welcomed at our school.”

By creating spaces for parents to engage, from academic workshops to community events, schools foster deeper connections that benefit students and build strong, supportive school communities.

Back to school 2024 is in full swing! Schools nationwide are gearing up to welcome students and their families at their open houses and back-to-school events to showcase what’s in store for the rest of the school year.

Drawing inspiration from themes like block parties and more traditional concepts such as bulletin board showcases, educators and faculty are welcoming students and their families in style for the 2024-2025 school year. Curious to see the fun? Let’s explore some of the most heartfelt open house highlights from schools across the country!

Gardere Community Christian School in Baton Rogue, Louisiana

Gardere Community Christian School kicked off the year with a packed Family Orientation and Open House dived into sessions for preschool and K-5 families.

“Gardere Community Christian School held its Family Orientation / Open House in two shifts: Preschool families attended on Wednesday evening and K-5 families attended on Thursday evening. It was standing room only, as usual, for our active parents. We also recently analyzed our standardized test scores. We LOVE our families!” – Cheryl Lott, Director of Development and Marketing at Gardere Community Christian School.

Tapestry Academy in Boca Raton, Florida

This year, Tapestry Academy is shaking up the traditional back-to-school routine by hosting unique and stress-free “Not back to school” festivities for students and their families.

“We’re hosting a “Not back to school” pancake breakfast and pj’s the day that public school begins in our area.” -Candace Lehenbauer, Owner and Director of Tapestry Academy.

Georgia Cyber Academy in Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Cyber Academy brought learning to life by taking students to visit the birthplace the found of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. The afternoon was filled with smiles and fun.

“On our first day of school on August 1st, we visited the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts! In Savannah, we had an afternoon of fun learning the history of the house, Juliette and of Girl Scouts! We welcomed back our students with smiles and fun!” – Tonette Price, Assistant Director of Community Partnerships at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Cornerstone Christian School in Camden, South Carolina

Cornerstone Christian School recently held a vibrant open house event, encouraging students and their families to bring school supplies, meet their teachers, and capture the moment in front of a fun balloon arch.

“We did have an open house for our students and families. They were encouraged to bring school supplies and meet their teacher. We even had a balloon arch made for them to take pictures in front of.” – Amanda Putrel, Assistant Director at Cornerstone Christian School.

SOAR Academy School and Tutoring Center in Augusta, Georgia

SOAR Academy held a lively back-to-school Silent Disco Party celebrating neurodiversity, showcasing the schools constant support.

“That evening we celebrated neurodiversity with our Silent Disco Party. It was a way for families to see how we support students at our school each day. (Our Dino Lab was there, Lego Stations, Headphones for sensory support, fidget station, etc) I think our community came together and realized that even though we are different in so many ways; race, religion, politics, etc, we all agree that we want access to the best education for our students. As a result our enrollment continues to increase and we continue to create local and national partnerships with organizations that believe in highlighting and supporting our neurodivergent students. Thank you. ” – Kenisha Skaggs, Director and Founder of SOAR Academy School and Tutoring Center.

Rhode Island Families for School Choice

Rhode Island Families for School Choice made a splash by hosting a table filled with games and raffles providing the perfect opportunity for families to connect, learn more about school choice options, and get excited for the upcoming fair in January.

Monticello Elementary School in Monticello, Mississippi

Educators and faculty at Monticello Elementary School welcomed students and their parents back in style!

“The students at Monticello Elementary School are excited to be back and can’t wait until January to celebrate National School Choice Week.” – Becky Newsome, Assistant Teacher at Monticello Elementary School.

Calvary Christian Academy and Preschool in Fort Walton, Florida

Calvary Christian Academy and Preschool recently kicked off the school year with an unforgettable back-to-school bash filled with fun games, slides, and delicious food!

“We had a wonderful open house and orientation, and we are planning a big back to school bash on August 16. There will be fun games, slides, food trucks for parents and students to enjoy as they see our Kindergarten Building and Academy. This opens our buildings for parents to see the classrooms and meet the faculty, staff, coaches, bus operators, our team! This is an exciting year for us, and we want to introduce our school and campus. Students, families and the community are intrigued to join. Our President of our school, Pastor Mark Stevens, our Associate Pastor, Devan Hall, our Administrator, Steve Thomas, our Principal, Jonathan Monczewski, Elementary Principal, Alisha Thomas, and especially myself the Director of the Kindergarten building have worked hard all summer to make this happen! We are looking forward to a great school year at Calvary Christian Academy and Preschool of Fort Walton Beach, Florida!!!” – Soila McGill, Preschool and Kindergarten Director

These schools are proving that learning isn’t just about textbooks and tests–it’s about creating memorable experiences and a sense of community! Whether it’s a trip to explore the history of Girl Scouts or a pajama pancake breakfast, they’re showing that welcoming students back to class can be exciting, inclusive, and full of opportunities for the whole family!

As the school year comes to a close, it’s a great time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, personal growth, and special moments of students and families. From planning fun activities and thoughtful recognitions to creating time for reflection, here are ten creative and enjoyable ideas to make the end of the year meaningful and unforgettable for everyone!

Throw a Memorable Party

Everyone loves a good party, so why not host one to mark the end of the school year? Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, consider themes like a summer luau or a graduation ceremony to add an extra touch of excitement.

Handwritten Letters of Appreciation

Take the time to craft personalized handwritten letters to students’ families. Express gratitude for their support throughout the year and wish them a happy and rejuvenating summer break.

Create Artwork Collages

Turn all the beautiful artwork created by students throughout the year into a cherished keepsake. Whether it’s by making a collage on poster board or capturing it in a photo, this thoughtful gesture will be treasured by families.

Decorate Graduation Caps

For those transitioning to a new stage in their education journey, decorating graduation caps can be a fun and meaningful activity. Encourage creativity and self-expression as students customize their caps to reflect their personalities and aspirations.

Award Superlatives

Celebrate each student’s unique qualities and achievements with personalized superlative award certificates. Recognize everything from academic excellence to acts of kindness, ensuring that every student feels valued and appreciated.

Provide Summer Enrichment Resources

Equip families with resources for summer learning and exploration. Compile a list of local summer enrichment programs offering free admission or discounts, empowering students to continue their educational journey beyond the classroom.

Share Summer Recipes

Inspire families to bond over cooking with child-chef approved recipes for summer treats and drinks. Consider hosting a parent-invited luncheon where students can showcase their culinary skills, complete with recipe cards and photos of the dishes they’ve prepared.

Host a Water Day

Beat the heat with a refreshing water day where students can splash and play. Encourage them to pack towels and bathing suits for a day of outdoor fun, while reminding everyone to stay sun-safe with plenty of sunscreen.

Challenge with Trivia Games

Engage students in a friendly competition with trivia games tailored to their grade level. Whether it’s testing their knowledge of the next grade’s curriculum or celebrating their achievements so far, trivia games are a fun way to keep learning alive.

Recognize Strengths and Growth

End the year on a positive note by recognizing each student’s individual strengths and areas of growth. Award “What I Like About You” certificates that highlight specific qualities or achievements that have made a difference throughout the year.

As the school year comes to a close, let’s celebrate the collective accomplishments and moments of joy shared by students, families, and educators alike. By embracing these ideas, we can create lasting memories and foster a sense of community that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, learning, and endless possibilities!