New Mexico schools to take part in National School Choice Week

New Mexico families, students and educators will be raising awareness about school choice next week as part of National School Choice Week.

National School Choice Week is Jan. 22-28 and is celebrated with school fairs, rallies, contests, talent shows; 185 events are planned at schools in New Mexico.

All the activities that take place during School Choice Week aim to support families in their school searches and offer the opportunity to learn while celebrating. The week is free and open to every family.

The celebrations of educational opportunity will take place at traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online schools and private schools.

A recent survey by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation showed that 53.7% of parents have recently explored or are currently considering new options for their child’s education. School Choice Week 2023 will give parents the opportunity to learn about school choice and attend local events as they consider their K-12 options for the next school year.

The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) released in 2022 underlined the need to invest in quality education options. New Mexico students experienced greater learning losses than the national average.

In New Mexico, families have some access to open enrollment, particularly those who live near low-performing schools. Parents can also choose from public charter schools and magnet schools, and full-time online schools. New Mexico is in the minority of states that does not offer any private school scholarship programs. State Sen. Craig Brandt is trying to change that.

Brandt, a Republican who represents District 40-Rio Rancho, announced his introduction of the Education Freedom Act earlier this week.

The bill would allow parents more educational options by allowing them to choose the best school for their children.

“All students, regardless of their circumstances or ZIP code, deserve access to a high-quality education,” Brandt said. “The wealthy have always been afforded options for their children’s schooling, and it is time we make those options available to everyone else.”

Events are planned across New Mexico next week, including a school fair in Albuquerque organized by Public Charter Schools of New Mexico on Jan. 21.

“New Mexico families want to know all their academic options and School Choice Week will offer an opportunity for families to explore just that”, said Krissia Campos Spivey, project director of Conoce tus Opciones Escolares at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “No matter what type of school a family chooses, they can start the process with support during School Choice Week.”

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