By: Raquel Williams
Clarksdale, Ms. – National School Choice Week 2024 was extraordinary! It is extraordinary because very few people are aware of this movement. Ordinary because parents send their best children to our schools. Clarksdale is home to public, private, charter, and various homeschooling options.
Media Relations & Research Coordinator for the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, Lucia Matamoros, wrote, “With more than 27,000 documented events and 29 state proclamations, we raised awareness of school choice across the country and reached a record number of families who are searching for K-12 schools and learning environments that best meet their children’s needs.” According to the latest NSCW news report, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued a proclamation recognizing January 21-27, 2024, as Mississippi School Choice Week.
Andrew Campanella is the President and CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover and navigate K–12 education options for their children. The group organizes high-impact charitable programs, including National School Choice Week, in collaboration with Navigate–the National School Choice Resource Center, which is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Students in Mrs. Williams’ College and Career Readiness class discussed National School Choice Week, its purpose, and relevance to their small-town lives. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions, and they watched a video that explained the movement. These scholars love their school and are glad they chose Clarksdale High School. They were given wristbands, stickers, and info cards to show their Wildcat pride!
National School Choice Week (NSCW) was designed to raise positive and equal awareness of traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Their work is nonpolitical and does not advocate for legislation. School choice is the process of allowing EVERY family to choose the K-12 educational options that best fit their children. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. That’s why school choice is so important!
Pictures provided by Raquel Williams with the permission of parents & guardians of students photographed.
