THIS WEEK: 1,803 Events and Activities in Pennsylvania to Raise Awareness About School Choice

Keystone State Parents Will Discover Education Options for Children During National School Choice Week

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Jan 18, 2019, 08:00 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents students, teachers, and communities are planning more than 1,800 events and activities to celebrate and support school choice.

The Week will feature 1,803 events and activities across the Keystone State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. One of the largest events in the state will be a student showcase planned on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 10:00 a.m. at Renaissance Academy Charter School in Philadelphia. In addition, a student showcase and rally is planned in Pittsburgh on 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Lincoln Park Performing Arts School.

Nationwide, 40,549 events and activities are being organized to raise awareness during National School Choice Week (Jan. 20-26, 2019), and 10.8 million Americans are expected to participate. It will be the largest series of education-related events and activities in U.S. history.

In Pennsylvania, there are many educational options, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Pennsylvania families in low-achieving school zones or who fall below a certain income level may be eligible for state-run scholarship programs. Pennsylvania students can enroll in several online schooling options at no cost.

On the local level, elected officials and community leaders are recognizing the importance of educational opportunity by officially recognizing the Week. The cities of Abbottstown Borough, Aliquippa, Blooming Grove, Catawissa, Central City, Connellsville, Gettysburg, Harmony Township, Hollidaysburg, Lower Heidelberg Township, Lower Milford, Montrose, Bethel Park, Oil City, Paxtang, Plum Boro, Quincy Township, Steelton, Swatara, Union, Union Township, Washington Township have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

Celebrated since 2011, National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort. The Week is nonpartisan and nonpolitical, and it is not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.

"I really believe that schools need to find some opportunities to celebrate. And School Choice Week is exactly that. We use it as two-fold. We use it as the time that we talk about our own history. It also gives us the opportunity to dance together, to sing together, and that is helpful," said Ann Clark, community outreach specialist at Lincoln Charter School, a public charter school serving students in York, Pennsylvania.

"National School Choice Week is a time for Pennsylvania families to explore the unique education options available for their children and to start the school search process," said National School Choice Week President Andrew Campanella.

To download a guide to school choice or learn more about featured events in the Keystone State, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/states/pennsylvania.

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort designed to shine a spotlight on effective education options for children. National School Choice Week celebrates all types of school options, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. Learn more at www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

SOURCE National School Choice Week