School Choice Rally slated for Thursday in Topeka

(special to westernkansasnews.com)

TOPEKA, Kan. — Families and educators across Kansas are celebrating the unique needs and opportunities school choice provides students during School Choice Week.

The Week will feature 348 events and activities across the Sunflower 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 rally on Thursday, January 24, 2019 11:30 AM at the Kansas Capitol Building in Topeka.

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 Kansas, there are many educational options, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Students in Kansas who are under a certain income level or who are in Title I schools can qualify for a state-run scholarship. Kansas offers a variety of virtual school options, full-time and part-time, with or without tuition, for students in kindergarten through high school.

On the local level, elected officials and community leaders are recognizing the importance of educational opportunity by officially recognizing the Week. The counties of Ellsworth, Johnson, and Sedgwick and the cities of Altamont, Chanute, Hays, and Paola 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.

“We encourage Kansas families to discover the different school choice options available for their children during National School Choice Week,” said National School Choice Week President Andrew Campanella.

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

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.