In just two weeks, millions of Americans will celebrate the importance of choices in K-12 education at an unprecedented 16,140 events during National School Choice Week (January 24-30, 2016). It will be the largest series of education-related events in US history. (www.schoolchoiceweek.com)

The goal of the events - which are independently planned by schools, organizations, and individuals - is to raise awareness of quality K-12 education options for children and families in communities across the country. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online academies, private schools, and homeschooling.

The Week also provides parents with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the need for even greater education options for their children.

National School Choice Week events will include everything from open houses at schools to school assemblies, parents' nights, chamber of commerce meetings, roundtable policy discussions, awards ceremonies and more. There will also be rallies and celebrations at 20 state capitol buildings during the Week.

According to National School Choice Week President Andrew Campanella, the exponential growth of National School Choice Week, which began in 2011, tracks closely with the growth in public interest in, as well as support and demand for, K-12 educational opportunity.

"From 150 events in 2011 to 16,140 events in 2016, the growth in enthusiasm surrounding National School Choice Week demonstrates that Americans in communities across the country recognize, more than ever before, the importance of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and to pursue their own American dreams," Campanella said.

"Many parents use the Week to begin looking for new schools or education environments for their children, while many others use the platform provided by National School Choice Week to speak out in favor of greater educational opportunities."

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort. The Week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan, and NSCW does not advocate for or against legislation. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com, or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek.