NEXT WEEK: Connecticut Families Seek to Boost Awareness of K-12 Options During School Choice Week

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Jan 16, 2023, 04:00 ET

Connecticut celebrates educational options and quality education during the annual School Choice Week

HARTFORD, Conn. , Jan. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut schools, organizations, and individuals are planning 225 celebrations of educational opportunity this month as traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, and home educators highlight their unique choices.

During the last two years, families and educators in Connecticut have faced the academic consequences of the pandemic. A survey this month by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation showed that 53.7 percent of parents have recently explored or are currently considering new options for their child's education. During School Choice Week 2023, parents can learn about school choice and attend local events as they consider their K-12 options for the next school year.

The Nation's Report Card (NAEP) released in 2022 underlined the need to invest in quality education options. Connecticut students experienced greater learning losses than the national average.

Across the country, parents can choose between traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, homeschooling, and newer options like learning pods or microschooling.

But education policies vary from state to state. Connecticut has restricted open enrollment in public schools, meaning that parents in some Connecticut cities may be able to choose traditional public schools outside of or within their districts. The state also has a robust public magnet school system. On the other hand, Connecticut does not offer a statewide full-time online public school or any private school choice programs, both of which are available in a majority of U.S. states.

Across the state, events that are positive, supportive of a wide variety of school options, and family-friendly are planned, from in-school activities to large celebrations. Among the notable celebrations in Connecticut will be a student showcase in New Haven, organized by Proud Academy, on January 26 and a magnet school expo and showcase in New Haven, organized by Choose a School & New Haven Public Schools from January 23-28.

To download a guide to Connecticut school choice, use the school finder tool to search schools in your area or see celebration photos visit schoolchoiceweek.com/connecticut.

Local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request.

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

SOURCE National School Choice Week