School Choice Week Begins in The Treasure Valley

It's School Choice Week in Idaho and across America this week. Governor Butch Otter offered an official proclamation recognizing January 21-27 as Idaho School Choice Week. This will be followed by several events taking place in the Treasure Valley all week. What is School Choice Week?

“We participate in National School Choice Week because we are proud to be able to meet the needs of students with high quality, accredited curriculum and instruction and help them in their goals toward earning their diploma. We know that some students have obstacles, such as health, life circumstances or wanting to pursue professional sports or work, that could prevent them from completing quality education in a traditional classroom model,” said Kathleen Allison, executive director of iSucceed Virtual High School, a statewide online high school serving 450 students in grades 9 to 12 in Idaho.

National School Choice Week is a public awareness effort to spotlight educational opportunity. This is a great time for parents to evaluate the different opportunities for their kids. Here's a good example from my personal experience. I grew up in the public school system and always thought private schools were just for rich kids. Don't judge, that's just what I thought as a kid. It wasn't until meeting a large group of moms and kids during our child abuse prevention event (Live for 175) that changed my mind.

I've heard great things about charter schools in the Treasure Valley and these moms opened my eyes. They explained that on teacher in-service days the parents team up to do things with the student body instead of them just sitting at home. The mothers that I met raved about the private and creative setting including the commitment to succession between parents and teachers.

This is a great week to educate yourself and learn what might be best for your family. There are websites with good information and a few events set-up for you to attend. Visit School Choice Week's website for more details and listing of events in your zip.