NSCW News:

SANTA FE — In the midst of a school year like no other, New Mexico families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during National School Choice Week 2021.

New Mexicans are hosting 196 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week. 

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. 

“National School Choice Week encourages local leaders, families, and educators to talk about how to improve access to learning options for all New Mexico families,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “Pandemic or no pandemic, every family deserves to be able to choose an education that reflects their unique strengths, values, and needs.”

In New Mexico, there are a variety of educational options that are available including: traditional public schools with open enrollment on a case-by-case basis, charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling. 

New Mexico 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.

To download a guide to New Mexico school choice, use the Schools Near Me tool to search for schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/new-mexico. 

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign.