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

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Jan 16, 2023, 07:00 ET

Washington celebrates educational options and quality schools during annual School Choice Week

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schools, organizations, and individuals are planning 259 celebrations of educational opportunity this month as traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning options, private schools, and home educators highlight their unique choices.

During the last two years, families and educators in Washington 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. Washington students experienced greater learning losses than the national average.

The Week will bring helpful and handy information that parents need in order to support their kids. The Week is the best time of the year for families to consider their education options for the next school year.

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. In Washington, have restricted open enrollment options allowing them to choose traditional public schools, and public charter and public magnet school options are present in small numbers in the state. There are several full-time online public schools for parents to select and homeschooling remains a popular option. Washington is in the minority of U.S. states that do not offer a private school choice program for families.

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 Washington will be a school fair in Port Angeles.

"Education starts with families; let's support all parents in finding learning environments where their child is challenged, inspired, and successful", said Andrew Campanella, President and CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. "During the Week, Washington families will join the nation in celebrating their schools and the positive ways that education shapes kids' lives."

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

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