THIS MONTH: Adaptability, Resilience on Display as Louisiana Families, Educators Celebrate School Choice Week Safely

Pelican State Parents Find New Ways to Celebrate Learning, Support Opportunity for All

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Jan 15, 2021, 05:30 ET

BATON ROUGE, La., Jan. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a school year like no other, Louisiana families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021. Louisianans are hosting 699 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week.

Taking place annually since 2011, School Choice Week is America's largest celebration of educational choice. While typically the Week is packed with large, in-person events, school choice advocates have adapted to this year's health and safety protocols, opting for drive through scavenger hunts, virtual information sessions and showcases, online contests, drive-in movie screenings, and more. Across the country, more than two dozen iconic U.S. landmarks and notable buildings will light up in special colors to mark the Week.

A growing number of communities have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week, including Jefferson Davis Parish and the cities of Delhi, Leesville, Minden, Plaquemine, and Cottonport.

"Pandemic or no pandemic, every parent wants their child to be happy and prepared for the future, and a personalized education is the best route toward that," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "There are many types of schools that families can choose from in Louisiana. This Week shines a positive light on all those options, celebrating great schools and educators across the state. "

In Louisiana, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with open enrollment at the discretion of each district, charter schools, magnet schools, online schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Louisiana families can deduct nonpublic educational expenses from their taxes, and families with incomes below a certain level can qualify for state-run scholarships.

Louisiana families will be raising awareness about these choices at their virtual celebrations, which make up some of the more than 33,000 planned nationwide to spotlight K-12 education options.

To download a guide to Louisiana school choice, use the Schools Near Me tool to search for schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com/louisiana

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.

Select local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For information on celebrations planned near you, reach out to us with information about your coverage area at [email protected].

National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options for children and is the world's largest celebration of opportunity in K-12 education. The Week is a not-for-profit effort that focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children.

SOURCE National School Choice Week