In the midst of a school year like no other, Indiana families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021.
Indiana families, schools, and organizations are hosting 925 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week. One of most notable of these will be a virtual party celebrating schools around the state on Jan. 28.
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. In Indiana, the Indianapolis Power and Light Company Building will light up in red and yellow and the building lights will spell out “NSCW” on Jan. 24. Additionally, the Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park will light up in yellow from sunset to 1 a.m. on Jan. 22-24.
Governor Eric Holcomb has issued an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 24-30 as Indiana School Choice Week.
“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 Indiana. This Week shines a positive light on those options, celebrating great schools and educators across the state.”
In Indiana, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with open enrollment at the discretion of each district, charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Parents in Indiana can take tax deductions for private school or homeschool expenses, and families under a certain income level can qualify for state-run scholarships for private schools.
Indiana 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.
National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.
SOURCE National School Choice Week
