School Choice Week began in Mississippi and across America this Sunday, with the goal of raising awareness about the options that parents have for their children's education.

The Week will feature 253 events and activities across the Magnolia State, including open house events at schools, school fairs, homeschool information sessions, and other celebrations. In addition, a rally is planned on Tuesday, January 23 at the State Capitol.

Nationwide, 32,240 events and activities are being organized to raise awareness during National School Choice Week (Jan. 21-27, 2018), and nearly 7 million Americans are expected to participate. It will be the largest series of education-related events and activities in U.S. history.

The Week brings attention to the different education environments that are available for Mississippi’s more than 730,000 children. For example, families in Mississippi can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The state offers a private school choice program.

Governor Phil Bryant issued an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 21-27 as Mississippi School Choice Week. In addition, the county of Benton and the cities of Laurel, Pickens, Fayette, and Inverness have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

"We work to ensure that every parent and every child in our state has access to a choice of high-quality educational options—to allow parents to select the one that will best serve their child’s needs," said Grant Callen of Empower Mississippi. "No two children are alike, so parents need to find the option that will help their children unlock their full potential in the classroom."

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.

“Over the past several years, Mississippi leaders have taken important steps toward expanding access to effective education options for children,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We are grateful to the many educators and parents who are using National School Choice Week to shine a spotlight on these options, and raising awareness about the need to provide parents with increased access to quality education environments for children.”

To download a guide to school choice in Mississippi, or to learn more about featured events in the Magnolia State, visit https://schoolchoiceweek.com/states/Mississippi.

For information on events planned near you, please send us an email with information about your coverage area to pressoffice@schoolchoiceweek.com.

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 or highlight school choice on social media using hashtag #schoolchoice.