(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, when National School Choice Week began, the world of education looked very different. In some places, school choice options were slim, and many families wished there was more to explore as the festivities took place. Today, the school choice landscape is far more open, but with this growth comes complexity. This year from January 26 to February 1, the national celebration is more necessary than ever: families need help navigating a K-12 education system that is evolving rapidly.

The demand for school choice has surged in recent years. In the last 12 months, 6 in 10 parents considered new schools for their children, reflecting the growing awareness of school choice policies. Parents are talking about school choice more than ever and more likely to consider education options like microschooling, homeschooling, or private schools. No matter what type of school they choose - neighborhood public, charter, magnet, private, online, or micro - families increasingly believe that education is not one-size-fits-all.

Also, nearly half of Americans said, a few months ago, that they believe K-12 education is on the wrong track nationwide. Yet, paradoxically, many parents remain optimistic about their local schools. What this tells us is that education is very personal. Every parent wants to give their child the best possible future, no matter what type of schooling they need to succeed.

National School Choice Week will be the first step toward choosing a school for the fall for millions of parents across the country. Through more than 27,000 events from open houses to citywide school fairs, the Week offers a platform for families to reflect, connect, and plan. Across its 15-year history, National School Choice Week has hosted 236,746 events and engaged with more than 9 million parents, helping them explore options ranging from traditional public schools to public charter, public magnet, private, online, at-home, and nontraditional options. 

What I’ve learned from years of National School Choice Week celebrations is that families are eager for better options, but they often feel stymied by the barriers to choosing them. It is not enough to create education options; we have to ensure families can access them and understand how to make the best decision for their children. That is what makes National School Choice Week so powerful. It bridges the gap between awareness and action, giving parents the tools they need.  

What National School Choice Week reminds us each year is that education is deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family making decisions that will shape a child’s future. This celebration isn’t just about celebrating options, it’s about making options work. 

Fifteen years ago, this celebration was just an idea. Today, it’s a national event that empowers millions of families to make decisions that shape futures. It’s a reminder that when families are equipped with the right tools, anything is possible for their children. 

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts National School Choice Week each January and maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources.