THIS MONTH: Minnesota Families, Educators Find the Positive in Education by Celebrating School Choice Week

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

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Jan 15, 2021, 05:30 ET

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a school year like no other, Minnesota families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021.

Minnesotans are hosting 482 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week. Among these will be a "Why School Choice Matters to Me!" social media campaign to bring families information about the state's school options.

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 the Minnesota cities of Minneota, Centerville, Aitkin, and Rice Lake.

"In Minnesota, community members are sharing the message that families benefit from choices and flexible learning opportunities," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "This National School Choice Week, let's celebrate how great educators and schools of all types inspire kids to learn, grow, and give back to their community."

In Minnesota, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with flexible open enrollment, charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling. Minnesota parents are eligible for tax deductions on educational expenses, including tuition payments and homeschooling expenses.

Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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/minnesota

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