Students, families, and teachers will head to the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, January 28, to demonstrate the need for expanded school choice in the state, organizers announced today. The event is orchestrated by a coalition of educational entities in Rhode Island known as Rhode Island Families for School Choice.

The reception, which will run from 2 to 5 p.m. inside the State House, will feature student performances representing a variety of school options, along with keynote remarks at 3:15 p.m. from Kevin P. Chavous, a national leader in the school choice movement and founding board member of American Federation for Children.

The State House dome will be illuminated in yellow from January 24 to 30 in honor of National School Choice Week, which will be America’s largest-ever celebration of opportunity in education, featuring more than 16,000 events nationwide.

"We are excited to bring families from across the state and educational spectrum together to highlight the growing enthusiasm for school choice in Rhode Island, and we are proud to take part in this national initiative,” said Sheila Konis Feeny, director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice. “We take the opportunity every year during National School Choice Week to raise awareness about school choice among all Rhode Islanders."

“Rhode Island families want expanded parental choice in education for their children,” Feeny continued. “Parents should be able to choose the type of school that will most benefit their children, regardless of ZIP code or income. Let’s help make school choice options a reality for students across the state of Rhode Island.”

Event organizers and supporters include Rhode Island Families for School Choice, the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Bishop Hendricken High School, the Providence Hebrew Day School, the New England Academy of Torah, Barrington Christian Academy, the Catholic School Office of the Diocese of Providence, FACTS Management, Donnelly’s School Apparel, and the Foundation for Excellence in Education.

National School Choice Week (January 24-30, 2016) will be America’s largest-ever celebration of opportunity in education, featuring more than 16,000 independently organized events across all 50 states. A nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country – from traditional public schools to public charter schools, magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling.

For additional information, please visit www.edchoiceri.org.