Supporters of National School Choice Week support a variety of diverse reforms and school choice, including great public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The nonpartisan celebration brings together tens of thousands of individuals representing all political parties and ideological backgrounds.

 National School Choice Week organizers said that enthusiasm for 2012’s activities is already outpacing 2011, with major events being planned across the country. The Week’s outreach coordinators have already reached 40,000 companies, organizations, chambers of commerce, and elected officials to encourage participation in the celebration.

 “Anyone can get involved in National School Choice Week and help celebrate the benefits of—and need for—school choice,” said Kyle Olson, executive director of National School Choice Week. “Whether you upload your logo to our website, host an event large or small, or link to our new advertisement on your Facebook and Twitter feeds, we hope you’ll join us.”

 In January 2011—for the first annual National School Choice Week—hundreds of organizations planned events featuring tens of thousands of attendees; media coverage of these events reached more than 34 million Americans.

 Thousands of students, parents, teachers and community activists will celebrate school choice at a blockbuster party in New Orleans on January 21, 2012, the planners of National School Choice Week announced today. The event is the official kickoff celebration for National School Choice Week 2012 and will include performances by world-renowned entertainers, including The Temptations and Ellis Marsalis.

 National School Choice Week (January 22-28, 2012) shines a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children. The kickoff party is set for New Orleans, to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will feature multiple performances by the legendary Temptations and by entertainer Ellis Marsalis, is free and open to school choice supporters. RSVPs are recommended at SchoolChoiceWeek.com. Additional speakers, celebrity guests, and activities will be announced in the next two weeks, organizers said.

 “By hosting this event in a city that has experienced the transformational benefits of school choice, we showcase the success of hardworking students, parents, teachers, and community activists in New Orleans, who work every day to create thousands of school choice success stories,” said Andrew Campanella, vice president of public affairs for National School Choice Week. “At the same time, we will shine a bright national spotlight on the need to provide students in every city and state with access to schools that help them reach their fullest potential.”

 New Orleans is widely considered a city with a wealth of quality schooling options for children. Parents can select from public schools, public charter schools, virtual schools, private and parochial schools, and homeschooling. As a result of reforms in New Orleans, student achievement and attainment has increased and parental satisfaction with education options is overwhelming. For more, visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com.