Alaska parents and educators are set to rally in support of school choice options, including homeschooling, private and religious education, charter schools and other options. The gathering is part of a national celebration of “School Choice Week” occurring in all 50 states with more than 26,000 events planned.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued his annual proclamation for the week, which runs Jan. 23-29. Unlike past years, which lacked a central rallying point and location, this year school choice advocates will gather on Jan. 29, 1-3 p.m., at Anchorage Baptist Temple.

Parents, community leaders and educators from across the state are invited to use the celebration to network, share testimonies, and promote greater educational empowerment for Alaska families.

Speakers at the Anchorage event will include government and educational leaders from a variety of schools, as well as parents and students, who will speak about how school choice affects Alaska from their unique perspectives. According to Alaskans for Choice in Education, which is spearheading the event, special guest speakers include Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, State Sen. Shelley Hughes and others.

“In this new era of education, we are excited to celebrate the many different types of educational services that are available to Alaskan students and to imagine many more,” said Leigh Sloan, a member of Alaskans for Choice in Education. “We believe that empowering families to make the best choices for their students will produce the best overall outcomes for their future. Come to join us in celebration and exploration of the future of education in Alaska!”

Alaskans for Choice in Education works to empower parents to play an active role in their child’s education and positively shape the future of Alaska education. The group is partnering with the Alaska Policy Forum, a think tank that advocates for maximal individual opportunities and freedom, to facilitate the Alaska rally at Anchorage Baptist Temple (6401 E Northern Lights Blvd #3312).

According to the School Choice Week website, the annual celebrations attempt to shine a spotlight on the most effective K-12 education options for children. It focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options.

Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of celebrations – such as school fairs and open houses – to raise awareness about school choice across the nation. School Choice Week also develops resources and guides to K-12 education for families. As a not-for-profit effort, the week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com.

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