Minnesotans Celebrate Education Options as School Choice Week Begins

ST. PAUL - School Choice Week starts today in Minnesota and across America. Throughout the Week, which runs until January 31, there will be 194 school choice events across the North Star State.

The events are part of National School Choice Week, which will feature 11,082 events across America - the largest

celebration of educational opportunity in US history.

School Choice Week events in Minnesota include open houses, information sessions, policy roundtable discussions and more - planned by schools, organizations, homeschool groups and individuals. The goal of the events is to inform parents about the K-12 education options available for their children, while raising awareness of the benefits providing families with a variety of different options for their children's education.

Minnesota cities with the most events include Minneapolis (42), St. Paul (42), Rochester (9), St. Cloud (6), and Duluth (6).

QUICK QUOTE

"Minnesota is and was a pioneer when it comes to educational choice. Minnesota families have a considerable menu of options for their children's education, including public and private school choice programs that increase access to quality, effective education environments for kids." - Andrew R. Campanella, president, National School Choice Week

SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS FOR PARENTS IN MINNESOTA

Parents across Minnesota have a variety of K-12 education options for their children. Families in the North Star State can choose from the following education options for their children: traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling. The state has also enacted laws making it easier for children to attend traditional public schools outside of their zoned districts, policies known as open enrollment. In addition, the state allows qualifying children, in some cases, to receive scholarships to attend private schools.

ABOUT NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

Held every January, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling. For more information, visit http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com or http://www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek. #SchoolChoice and #SCW on @schoolchoicewk