THIS WEEK: 76 Events in Montana to Raise Awareness About School Choice

The Treasure State plays key role in National School Choice Week,
the largest celebration of educational opportunity in US history.

HELENA, Mont.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National School Choice Week begins today in Montana and across the
country. There are 76 events planned in the Treasure State to raise
awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Montana, which are independently planned and independently
funded, include everything from information sessions and open houses at
schools to rallies, policy discussions, and movie screenings organized
by community groups. Highlighted events include a large rally January 25
at noon at the Montana State Capitol.

National School Choice Week provides families in Montana with the
opportunity to research and evaluate the K-12 school choices available
for their children in advance of the 2017-2018 school year. The Week
also raises awareness of the importance of providing every child with
effective education options.

“Montana has unique opportunities when it comes to school choice because
of our culture and rural communities” said Chris Polaske of the Central
Montana Organization for the Advancement of Homeschoolers (CMOAH). “The
growth of online and homeschooling groups is a great example of the
fundamental principle of school choice: each student’s education options
should accommodate his or her unique circumstances and talents. The
one-size-fits-all model is antiquated and doesn’t fit Montana students.”

“We are grateful that so many Montana families are working alongside
teachers, community leaders, and elected officials to celebrate
opportunity in education during National School Choice Week 2017,” said
Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “This week
represents the largest series of education-related events in Montana
history.”

With a goal of raising public awareness of effective education options
for children, National School Choice Week will be the largest
celebration of education options in US history.

SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR MONTANA FAMILIES

• According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in
  Montana can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the 2017-2018
  school year. Parents in the Treasure State can choose from the
  following education options for their children: traditional public
  schools, magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and
  homeschooling. In some parts of the state, open enrollment policies
  allow parents to select the best traditional public school, regardless
  of where the school is located. The state also has a program allowing
  qualifying children, in some cases, to receive scholarships to attend
  private schools.

ABOUT NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

• National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort
  spotlighting effective education options for children, including
  traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools,
  private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. The Week runs
  from January 22-28, 2017. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

Contacts

National School Choice Week
Shelby Doyle, 202-480-2927 ext. 820
Director
of Communications and External Relations
shelby@schoolchoiceweek.com