#United States #Madison #Education #school choice

A Passionate Call for School Choice

On January 27, 2026, the Wisconsin State Capitol will be buzzing with the voices of passionate advocates for educational reform. Over 500 individuals, including students, parents, and educators, are expected to converge on Madison to participate in a rally aimed at showcasing the successes of school choice options available to families throughout the state.

This pivotal event is organized by School Choice Wisconsin in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation. Timing their campaign to overlap with National School Choice Week, the rally promises a vibrant atmosphere where attendees will advocate for a wide spectrum of educational alternatives—ranging from public magnet and charter schools to private institutions involved in parental choice programs, online learning, homeschooling, and more.

In a state known for its diverse educational landscape, the event reflects a collective dedication to championing the rights of families to select the best learning environments for their children. Carol Shires, VP of Operations at School Choice Wisconsin, emphasizes the importance of this gathering: “Students from across Wisconsin's education system demonstrate the real-world impact of school choice. This event celebrates their hard work while reaffirming our commitment to expanding opportunities that allow every child to reach their full potential.”

The rally is not just a day of celebration; it serves a crucial purpose in empowering families. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their experiences directly to legislators, highlighting the profound impact that school choice has had on their children’s lives and the community at large. As advocates for educational diversity, they will share personal stories of how the ability to choose their children's schools has led to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes.

National School Choice Week—taking place from January 25 to 31—is a nationwide effort featuring 28,000 events designed to raise awareness about the myriad of educational options available. The week aims to inform and encourage parents, helping them navigate the educational landscape to find the best fit for their children.

The Wisconsin Capitol rally is set to unfold between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM in the Rotunda, offering a platform for student leaders and advocates to speak about their educational journeys. Those interested in joining or supporting the cause are encouraged to visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/wisconsin-school-choice-rally for more details.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to illuminating the transformative potential of K-12 school choice. Through their three charitable programs, they educate families about available schooling options—public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and unconventional—to ensure that every student can thrive in the environment that serves them best.

Ultimately, the rally represents a collective vision for educational equity, emphasizing that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a learning environment that nurtures their individual needs and aspirations. Join us as we lift our voices for school choice, affirming that empowered parents and dynamic educational options are integral to the success of the next generation.