Charleston Students Celebrate School Choice at Showcase Event

In a significant gathering scheduled for January 28, 2026, around 300 students from diverse backgrounds in West Virginia will converge at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. This event, part of National School Choice Week, serves as a powerful platform for students to express their appreciation for the educational options available to them. With a blend of speeches, dance performances, and visual art displays, the event aims to highlight the personal journeys of students and the impact of school choice in their lives.

Empowering Stories of School Choice

The showcase will allow students and their families to share heartfelt narratives detailing how school choice has positively influenced their educational experiences. Over the past decade, West Virginia has made remarkable strides in expanding K–12 education, allowing families to choose from various options including public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional schools. This evolution has not only empowered families but has also fostered a diverse educational landscape.

Tiffany Hoben, the Director of Education Partnerships and Strategy at the Cardinal Institute for WV Policy, emphasized the importance of school choice, stating, "School choice isn't just a policy—it's a lifeline. It gives families the freedom to choose better, safer, smarter paths for their children." With an emphasis on community support, the event also serves as a unique opportunity for parents to explore different educational avenues available to them.

Organizing the Showcase

The event is orchestrated by the Cardinal Institute for WV Policy, in collaboration with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. It is set to run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, welcoming families, educators, and local community members to engage in the festivities and discover the various resources available for student education. The showcase is positioned to foster a strong sense of community among attendees, encouraging parents and students to network and learn from one another’s experiences.

National School Choice Week

National School Choice Week, which spans from January 25 to 31, encompasses over 28,000 events nationwide. The initiative seeks to increase awareness about the variety of educational options accessible to families across America and aims to empower parents to identify the best learning environments for their children. Through this advocacy, families are encouraged to confidently navigate the options available to them, ensuring that every child has access to a transformative education.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to informing parents about the life-changing potential of K–12 school choice. Their programs not only highlight public and private school options but also guide families through the process of finding educational institutions that align with their children's unique needs.

Conclusion

As Charleston prepares to host this exciting event, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an inspiring showcase of talent, community spirit, and shared experiences. The engagement of students, parents, and educators underscores a collective commitment to celebrating the importance of school choice and the positive impact it can have on young lives. For more details about the event and to participate, families can visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/west-virginia-student-showcase.