#United States #Salt Lake City #National School Choice #charter schools #Utah Capitol

Celebrating Charter Day on the Hill in Utah

In a significant event for education in Utah, more than 800 parents, students, and teachers will convene at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on January 29 to honor Charter Day on the Hill. This annual celebration coincides with the nationwide observance of National School Choice Week, which promotes awareness about educational options available for families. The event is organized by the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools alongside the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

The festivities will begin at 11:00 AM and continue until 2:00 PM, as attendees from 44 different schools across Utah come together to share their experiences and advocate for school choice. Participants can look forward to an exciting program featuring heartfelt stories from students of various charter schools participating in the celebration, showcasing the positive impact these institutions have had on their educational journeys.

Royce Van Tassell, the Executive Director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, "Charter Day on the Hill is a celebration. Families relish the opportunity to choose a school that fits their child. Today we celebrate that opportunity with charter schools statewide. We will hear stories from students and enjoy some performances. Let's have fun!"

National School Choice Week runs from January 25 to 31, with approximately 28,000 events occurring throughout the United States. The week aims to boost awareness surrounding diverse educational paths, empowering parents to identify which learning environments cater best to their children’s needs. This initiative seeks to bolster families' confidence in navigating educational options, from traditional public and charter schools to private and homeschooling setups.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating parents about the multitude of K–12 school choices their children can access. The organization runs various programs, including National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, which aim to ensure that families are informed and supported in their educational decisions. Importantly, the NSCAF maintains a neutral stance, advocating neither for nor against any particular educational legislation.

For further information about the event, interested individuals can visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/charter-day-on-the-hill or contact Tamra Watson at [email protected] or via phone at 435-851-7137.

The gathering at the Capitol represents more than just a celebration; it is an affirmation of the choices that parents can make to secure a fitting educational experience for their children. By encouraging a robust dialogue about school options, families can advocate effectively for what they believe is best in today’s diverse educational landscape.

Let us all support this initiative that champions educational freedom and empowers families in their pursuit of the right school for their children. Come join us in celebrating the spirit of choice in education at the Utah Capitol!