Tag: 15-Year Anniversary

NSCW 2024 School Celebration Recap

During National School Choice Week 2024, the entire country is abuzz with excitement! Whether it’s school fairs, flagship events, or school celebrations, people from all over of all ages are coming together to celebrate the wonderful idea that every child should have the opportunity to learn, grow and excel. Thousands of students, representing traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, homeschools, and microschools, are thrilled to share what school choice means to them and why they love their schools.

Scroll through these uplifting photos, where the essence of School Choice Week captures the joy, possibilities, and freedom that educational choice brings to every child. 

Watch this heartwarming video of Mozart and Einsteins Preschool children showcasing their school celebration!

North Florida School of Special Education, Florida

Bright smiles and engaged little learners showcase love for their school.

Alexander Preschool, California 

These enthusiastic learners are beaming with joy for the love of their school.

Danville Christian Academy, Kentucky

These enthusiastic students celebrate school choice with illustrated placards.

The Academy for Young Achievers, Indiana

These eager faces are shining in support of their school.

Calvary Christian School, Ohio

Bright smiles and colorful signs mark School Choice Week.

Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins High School, Colorado

The energy of these engaged learners is contagious as they celebrate School Choice Week.

Saint John’s Day School, Mississippi

These engaged learners light up the room with their smiles, celebrating the power of school choice.

Dickens Sanomi Academy, Florida

Illustrated placards in hand, these kiddos shine a light on the love of learning.

Discover exciting events near you with our Ultimate Guide to NSCW 2024 and experience the magic of School Choice Week!

Are you covering National School Choice Week 2024? Check out our multimedia page, where you will find media resources and spokesperson contact information.

Capitol to Capitol: NSCW 2024 Capitol Celebration Recap

As School Choice Week unfolds across the nation, the spotlight is now on the vibrant Capitol celebrations that have taken center stage this Tuesday in various states. This weeklong celebration has been a dynamic exploration of the diverse and empowering educational opportunities available to students and families.

Throughout our country, state capitols have become centers of enthusiasm. State leaders, advocates, and educators come together to celebrate all forms of school choice, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning. From engaging discussions to podium speeches emphasizing the importance of educational choice, the atmosphere is charged with excitement.

Join us as we delve into the heart of Capitol festivities that unfolded, revealing the shared commitment to educational opportunities.

Click on a photo to view the magic!

Journalists are welcome to use these images to complement their coverage of the Week. Photo credit should be attributed to the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Take a virtual journey with us through the recap of celebrations from capitol to capitol. Scroll through and click on any event that catches your eye to delve deeper into the details and even view photos from each event!

Denver, Colorado

In the heart of Denver, the state capitol turned into a vibrant celebration as hundreds gathered to cheer for school choice. With banners waving and excitement in the air, Colorado families showed that when it comes to education, the Mile-High City knows how to reach new heights!

Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah brought the party to the capitol, featuring nearly 40 charter schools and dazzling student performances. It was a spirited gathering full of energy, music, and a showcase of Utah’s fantastic educational options.

Des Moines, Iowa

In the heartland of Iowa, students from across the state gathered at the capitol to express why school choice matters.

Lansing, Michigan

In Lansing, Michigan, students, parents, and educators transformed the capitol into a lively celebration of educational choices. Students took a special tour, making it an experience beyond school choice – it was about exploring history with a joyful twist!

Topeka, Kansas

Topeka was an epicenter of excitement as the Kansas Capitol Celebration kicked off with speakers and student tours, raising awareness about K–12 education options.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania took center stage as Harrisburg’s capitol became a grand theater featuring student and parent speakers. The capitol echoed with inspiring stories, creating a symphony of voices advocating for the importance of school choice.

Didn’t get a chance to attend? Don’t worry! There are a variety of exciting family-friendly events happening across the country this week that you won’t want to miss!

Are you covering National School Choice Week 2024? Check out our multimedia page, where you will find media resources and spokesperson contact information.

Saturday School Fair Spectacular: A Coast-to-Coast Recap of Educational Celebrations

National School Choice Week is in full swing and started strong with vibrant and engaging school fairs that unfolded this Saturday across the nation. Although Sunday marked the official first day of National School Choice Week, folks couldn’t contain their excitement and kicked things off early! As we immerse ourselves in the essence of choice in education, let’s take a journey through Saturday’s fairs, showcasing the rich tapestry of educational opportunities available to students and parents.

Fairs brought together traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and nontraditional education options, in one place, making it easy for families to see the real school choices in their communities.

The air was buzzing with anticipation as attendees explored the world of educational options presented by participating schools. From captivating presentations to hands-on activities, the school fairs were a hub of excitement. Enthusiastic students showcased their talents through performances, while interactive exhibits brought learning to life. Attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of education, making the fairs a memorable experience for the family.

Click on a photo to view the magic!

Journalists are welcome to use these images to complement their coverage of the Week. Photo credit should be attributed to the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Scroll through and click on any event that catches your eye to delve deeper into the details and even view photos from each event!

Denver, Colorado 

The Denver School Fair, hosted by Transform Education Now, was an exhilarating event that gave families in Colorado the chance to connect with over 30 schools! From informative conversations to interactive activities, the fair was an incredible opportunity for families to discover their perfect educational match.

Atlanta, Georgia

GeorgiaCAN hosted an Atlanta school fair, connecting families with representatives from over 60 schools. It was a fantastic chance for families to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about their children’s education. The fair was jam packed with family-friendly activities, food, and more!

Los Angeles, California

California families had the opportunity to explore local independent schools, attend workshops, and enjoy family fun at the school fair hosted by the California Policy Center and La Union de Padres in Los Angeles. The fair featured family friendly activities including a student showcase and more!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by Nevada School Choice Coalition, families in Las Vegas got the chance to meet a representative from more than 80 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools at the Las Vegas school fair. The fair was full of family-friendly activities, student performances, face painting, and other entertainment that the whole family could enjoy!

Austin, Texas

Families Empowered hosted a Texas-sized fair in Austin with representatives from over 40 schools—traditional public, charter, magnet, and private. Families explored, enjoyed, and discovered education options in a lively and entertaining atmosphere with free admission to the Bullock Museum.

Honolulu, Hawaii 

Hosted by HawaiiKidsCAN, families at the Honolulu school fair had the opportunity to meet representatives from over 20 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools. The fair was jam-packed with entertaining family fun including lively student performances.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hosted by Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, families at the Albuquerque school fair had the opportunity to meet representatives from over 20 schools, including public charter schools, traditional public schools, magnet schools, and private schools. The fair was jam packed with family fun activities like face painting, student performances, and more!

Tucson, Arizona

NavigateED and Families Empowered hosted a collaborative fair where families had the chance to meet with representatives from more than 20 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, and private schools. The Tucson fair was full of fun and educational activities including face painting, music, and more!

Phoenix, Arizona

Hosted by Choose A School families had the chance to meet with representatives from more than 50 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools. The Phoenix school fair provided an array of family-fun activities catered to all ages, including music, face painting, and an exciting balloon drop!

Clallam County, WA

Hosted by Olympic Christian School, families had the chance to meet representatives from over 20 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, and private schools. The Clallam school fair was jam-packed with tons of family-friendly activities, live music, and face painting! 

Salem, Oregon

Education Freedom for Oregon hosted a dynamic fair, giving families the chance to meet with representatives from more than 20 schools. Students also had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and win prizes through a contest, expressing why they liked their school or how school choice positively impacted them academically.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hosted by The Reform Alliance, Little Rock families had the opportunity to meet representatives from more than 20 schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools. The Little Rock school fair was bustling with family-friendly activities that made children of all ages smile from ear to ear.

Boise, Idaho

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families hosted the Boise School Fair with over 20 schools available for families to explore and learn about their educational options. The Boise School Fair was bustling with various family fun festivities like face painting, music, and more!

Didn’t get a chance to attend? Don’t worry! There are a variety of exciting family-friendly events happening across the country this week that you won’t want to miss!

Are you covering National School Choice Week 2024? Check out our multimedia page where you will find media resources and spokesperson contact information.

A Glimpse into How Homeschoolers Celebrate National School Choice Week

National School Choice Week 2024 is on the horizon, and homeschoolers are gearing up to turn this annual celebration into an epic extravaganza of joy, creativity, and educational freedom. From sharing curriculum ideas to hosting community events, homeschoolers across the nation are coming together to make School Choice Week a vibrant and exciting time for all. Let’s dive deeper into how homeschoolers across the nation are transforming School Choice Week into a vibrant showcase of their unique educational journey.

A Reflective Celebration: United Homeschool Heroes

As the anticipation for School Choice Week builds, homeschoolers take a moment to do more than just skim the surface of their educational choices. It’s a time for deep reflection to appreciate the freedom homeschooling offers. The growth of homeschooling is not just seen in numbers but also in the vibrant communities that it promotes. Local homeschooling groups are not only organizing events but are multiplying in number and diversity. This growth signifies that more families are actively seeking the support of like-minded families, turning School Choice Week into a true spectacle of united homeschool heroes.

School Choice Week, for homeschoolers and homeschooling families, is important because sometimes we forget how powerful it is to build community. School Choice Week gives homeschoolers the chance to see their conscious choice in action.

Jae Carter, Homeschool Yo Kids

Community Engagement: Homeschoolers in the Limelight

During School Choice Week, local homeschooling groups come together to organize community events that go beyond the ordinary. Armed with passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge, homeschooling families seize the opportunity to educate others about the wonders of homeschooling. These events help build a supportive network of parents who connect not only as educators but as a community. To get a better sense of how homeschoolers celebrate, take a look at some examples:

Homeschooling Expo

Jae Carter, the organizer of the Homeschooling Expo, believes that creating a fun-filled event where families can come together is essential. At the Expo, parents can learn how to tailor their teaching. The Homeschooling Expo will offer an exciting and interactive experience where parents can explore various curriculum options and discover innovative teaching methods that are tailored to their children’s unique learning styles. The workshops and seminars provide valuable insights into the latest homeschooling trends and help parents make informed decisions about their children’s education. In addition to the academic aspect, the Homeschooling Expo also focuses on the social and emotional aspects of homeschooling. Parents can connect with other homeschooling families, build supportive networks, and find a sense of belonging. 

Homeschool Information Afternoon in Anaheim

Broadway Productions is hosting a homeschool information event where parents will get the chance to connect with the local homeschooling community and gain valuable insights into the homeschooling process. It will feature experienced homeschooling speakers who will share their insights on the homeschooling process, including tips and tricks to ensure success. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with local homeschooling families and learn about local resources available to support their homeschooling journey.

Flourish 2024: Homeschool Conference

The Georgia Black Home Educators Network is hosting a Black Family Homeschool Conference event where parents can learn more about educating their children at home. The conference will provide valuable information to parents on how they can support their children’s education and become better advocates for their kids. It will also provide opportunities for families to connect with other homeschooling families, share resources, and learn from each other. The conference will include a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and other activities that will help empower homeschooling families and inspire them to make a positive impact on society.

The goal is to empower other parents. It’s like a team effort, with homeschoolers joining forces to showcase that there are numerous ways to help kids learn and thrive.

Jae Carter, Homeschool Yo Kids

Gratitude Unleashed

More than just a celebration, School Choice Week is a way to showcase gratitude in educational choice. It’s an explosion of gratitude that adds a touch of warmth to the entire celebration, acknowledging the collaborative effort that makes homeschooling and school choice an enriching experience.

By reflecting on their choices, showcasing achievements, engaging with the community, participating in creative learning activities, advocating for educational freedom, and expressing gratitude, homeschoolers paint a vivid tapestry of the vibrant and diverse landscape of educational options available to families nationwide. So, grab your party hats because the homeschooling extravaganza during School Choice Week is where the spotlight shines on freedom, flexibility, and an abundance of fun in education! 

Tips for an Unforgettable School Choice Week

1. Engage the Community: Collaborate with local homeschooling groups and organizations to maximize the impact of your celebration. Shared experiences and pooled resources can lead to more extensive and diverse connections during School Choice Week.

2. Spread the Word: Be an advocate for homeschooling not just within the community but beyond. Use School Choice Week as a platform to share your positive experiences on social media, local news outlets, or through community newsletters. Education through storytelling can be a powerful tool.

3. Document the Fun: Capture the moments of joy, learning, and creativity during School Choice Week. Create a scrapbook, blog, or video montage to commemorate the experiences and share them with the homeschooling community, inspiring others to celebrate their unique journeys.

4. Reflect and Plan for the Future: Use School Choice Week as a reflective period not only on the past year but also on your future homeschooling goals. Set new objectives, explore innovative teaching methods, and continue refining your approach to create an even more enriching learning environment for your children.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for more information on all that homeschooling has to offer.

2024 National School Choice Week Flagship Event Round-Up

Here is the official list of National School Choice Week 2024 state events. These events are hosted by state organizations, school districts and associations, and community leaders who are extremely passionate about bringing school choice options to families in their state. They partner with us to make sure as many families as possible hear about these massive celebrations.

With the momentum these events create, the Week can catalyze important conversations that parents, students, and educators want to have about school choice. There are so many parents who don’t know that they have a choice, don’t have access to the options they need, or are stuck wondering how to get started choosing a new or different school. The big splash of these events kicks off the right time for parents to explore, raises the profiles of local community leaders, organizations, and schools who can help them on their journeys, and shows them that school choice can be positive, inclusive, and personal.

2024 Quick Facts

In Total:

68 Flagship Events

Taking Place in

44 States

Planned by

66 Nonprofits

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Check out our Senior Advisor of Events and Partnerships, Julia Dvorak’s, Top Five Picks for National School Choice Week 2024.

National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

America’s Governors Proclaim “School Choice Week”

In a remarkable show of support, the following governors have officially proclaimed School Choice Week this month. These governors either have issued or will issue proclamations in honor of National School Choice Week stating that January 21 – January 27, 2024, will officially be “School Choice Week” in their respective states.

To view the official proclamations from the governors who have signed proclamations, please click on any link:

Landmarks Across America Shine for School Choice Week 2024!

Did you witness the magic of National School Choice Week 2024? Starting January 21st, close to three dozen landmarks and notable buildings from Alaska to New York lit up in dazzling shades of yellow and red and created a vibrant celebration of K-12 education opportunities!

Alaska

Arkansas

California

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Louisiana

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Washington

Wyoming

If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

How We Celebrated: Open House

Thousands of schools participate in National School Choice Week each year, using the week to showcase what makes them unique. One of the most popular ways schools participate in the Week is by hosting an open house or an informational night, welcoming existing or prospective families to get to know their learning community better.  

Thousands of schools participate in National School Choice Week each year, using the week to showcase what makes them unique. One of the most popular ways schools participate in the Week is by hosting an open house or an informational night, welcoming existing or prospective families to get to know their learning community better.  

During National School Choice Week 2020, for instance, Global Village Academy in Colorado hosted a “Coffee with the Principal” event. Current school families and prospective families had the opportunity to enjoy fellowship over warm drinks. They received information about the school and heard directly from school leaders too.

No two schools are exactly alike, and no two open houses have to be either. If you choose to plan an open house during National School Choice Week, the goal of the event and who you welcome from the community is up to you. During the last couple of years we’ve seen a beautiful variety of school open houses… 

Life Academy paired its National School Choice Week open house with an ice-cream social and varsity and junior varsity basketball games. 

Meanwhile, Corpus Christi Catholic School hosted a community open house with a spaghetti dinner, celebrating National School Choice Week and the first day of open enrollment for the upcoming school year. 

In New York, Westfall Academy opted for a pancake meal, welcoming community members to visit and learn more about their school culture. 

A Florida group of the homeschool community Classical Conversations hosted an open house and networking opportunity for parents looking to learn more about homeschooling and Classical education. 

classical-conversations-homeschoolers-take-group-photo
homeschool-students-pose-with-signs

In New Jersey, Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School hosted a “Parent Academy” during National School Choice Week to give moms and dads an opportunity to learn more about what a charter school is, what school choice means, and more.

And in Texas, Guadalupe Regional Middle School opened their doors to local community professionals, inviting them to share a meal and mentoring with students. 

mentoring-lunch-at-guadalupe-regional-middle-school
student-raises-hand

The bottom line is this: Often, planning a successful open house is a job best planned by a team. You’ll want to spread the word effectively and showcase the best of your school. You’ll want visitors to leave with a better sense of what makes your school stand out.

It can also be a ton of fun! Besides strengthening communication between school families and staff, open houses are a valuable way to work toward school enrollment goals.

How will you celebrate? 

If you’re interested in planning an open house or another special event this January, reach out to Mackenzie Mate at mackenzie@schoolchoiceweek.com.

For more celebration ideas, explore our Event Ideas and How-To Guides

Our How We Celebrated series gives you insider glimpses into how a few of the thousands of NSCW participants have chosen to celebrate their schools. 

How We Celebrated: Field Trip

One popular way that schools, homeschool groups, online learning communities, and families celebrate education during National School Choice Week is by going on a field trip. 

Field trips can be fantastic opportunities for students to deepen friendships with classmates and engage in their local community. They also celebrate how learning can take place everywhere. Wearing School Choice Week’s signature scarves on the field trip can help students feel like a team and think about the impact that choice has made for them. 

Selecting a place to visit and planning for chaperones, transportation, and other details will require some prep work. The result? A new, exciting adventure for students.

In Washington, for example, Olympic Christian School students celebrated learning during National School Choice Week 2020 with an all-school trip to the Pacific Science Center. Students had a chance to explore marine life, rockets, galaxies, and much more.

field-trip-students-pose-for-picture
olympic-christian-school-students-jump-for-photo
students-explore-science-center

Meanwhile, in Virginia, the community at Virginia Virtual Academy celebrated National School Choice Week and ten years of online learning by field tripping to the state capitol in Richmond for a day of festivities. Students and parents received School Choice Week’s signature yellow scarves. After signing a School Choice Week banner, they enjoyed a commemorative group photo in front of the capitol building. 

VAVA-students-pose-for-photo-at-the-capitol
VAVA-field-trip-to-capitol
VAVA-students-celebrate-NSCW

In Ohio, Emerson Academy of Dayton’s choral group students took an outing to Cincinnati during National School Choice Week 2020, where they had the opportunity to perform “God Bless America” at a professional hockey game. They didn’t forget to wear their National School Choice Week scarves!

choral-students-perform-at-sports-game
hockey-game-field-trip

The bottom line is this: A field trip is more than a day of learning; it’s a lasting memory for students. You’ll need to develop and follow guidelines for meals, transportation, and more to make sure the trip runs smoothly. But the adventure will be worth it! Don’t forget to take photos and videos to share with families or local media. 

How will you celebrate? 

If you’re interested in planning a field trip or another special event this January, reach out to Mackenzie Mate at mackenzie@schoolchoiceweek.com.

For more celebration ideas, explore our Event Ideas and How-To Guides

Our How We Celebrated series gives you insider glimpses into how a few of the thousands of NSCW participants have chosen to celebrate their schools.

How We Celebrated: Classroom Contest

Schools and homeschool groups in all 50 states celebrate National School Choice Week because education is worth celebrating. Schools are where children become successful, happy, and ready to give back. 

One of the easiest ways to participate in the Week and build school spirit is by decorating your learning environment. Each year we receive hundreds of inspiring photos of the ways schools decorate to celebrate. Many schools even make decorating into a class contest! 

In California, for example, International Bible Baptist Academy held a craft contest day during National School Choice Week.

classroom-contest-sign
Ephesus-Junior-Academy-celebrates-NSCW

Some schools host a classroom door decorating contest or bulletin board decorating contest, encouraging each classroom to showcase their style during National School Choice Week.

Classroom door decorating contest during National School Choice Week
Classroom decor for National School Choice Week at Minnesota Math and Science Academy St. Paul

And in every state, students and teachers of all ages decorate School Choice Week placards each year. Filling out placards can be just for fun. Or, there can be prizes for the most creative, most surprising, most thoughtful, and so on. Don’t forget to invite teachers and staff to fill out why they love the school too!

students-stand-by-decorated-door
students-decorate-banner-with-handprints

If you’re aiming for collaboration rather than a fun classroom contest, working together to complete the National School Choice Week banner may be a good move. For example, many schools and families make the banner their own each January, personalizing it with their handprints, logo, or just plenty of color with paints, markers, colored pencils, or crayons.

student-poses-by-NSCW-banner
School-Choice-Week-banner

The bottom line is this: Decorating and classroom contests can be as simple or as involved as you choose. If you encourage students to reflect on why they love their school choice, the depth of their reasons may surprise you. Post these reasons around the school (or around your house if you’re a homeschooler!). They can have a lasting impact long after National School Choice Week is over. 

Rochester-School-For-The-Deaf-celebrates-NSCW
kids-hold-NSCW-banner

How will you celebrate? 

If you’re interested in planning a class contest or another special event this January, reach out to Mackenzie Mate at mackenzie@schoolchoiceweek.com.

Already know how you’re celebrating? Sign up for your free Deluxe Event Planner Kit today. 

Our How We Celebrated series gives you insider glimpses into how a few of the thousands of NSCW participants have chosen to celebrate their schools.

National School Choice Week Across America

Check out all the amazing ways people across America have celebrated National School Choice Week!