Harrisburg School Fair: Showcasing Diverse Educational Choices for Families

Harrisburg School Fair to Highlight Educational Opportunities

On February 1, 2025, the Harrisburg School Fair will welcome hundreds of families to a vibrant gathering focused on school choice and educational possibilities. This free event, hosted by PA Families for Education Choice, will take place at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts from noon to 3 p.m., coinciding with the nationwide celebration of National School Choice Week.

Families will have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of K-12 educational options all under one roof, including traditional public schools, public charters, magnet schools, private institutions, online learning providers, homeschooling, and microschools. With numerous representatives from different educational settings present, parents can engage in meaningful conversations about their children’s educational needs and preferences.

The fair aims to create a supportive and lively atmosphere, complemented by kid-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon artists, and complimentary food. This approach is designed to make the event not just informative but also enjoyable for families, allowing discussions about serious educational decisions to happen in a relaxed and fun environment.

Participating schools include well-known institutions such as the Pennwood Cyber Charter School, Reach Cyber Charter School, and the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, among others. The chance to interact with school representatives enables parents to gather vital information, ask questions, and assess which educational paths might be the best fit for their children.

Sharon Sedlar, founder of PA Families for Education Choice, emphasized the ongoing challenges parents face when selecting the right school. She stated, "Families are ever-changing, as are the needs of their children. At this event, we want to ensure parents have accessible information about various educational options that cater to their unique family situations."

Furthermore, Pennsylvania's recent budgetary decisions have increased funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs by $150 million. This investment enhances scholarship availability, ensuring families can choose schools that align with their children's interests and needs. The school fair will serve as an important platform where families can learn about these options and discuss them directly with educators.

The timing of the event also aligns with National School Choice Week, which has reached its 15th anniversary this year. With over 27,000 activities nationwide, this initiative aims to spotlight educational opportunities for families and promote a better understanding of school choices available.

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, located at 222 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, serves as a fitting venue for this significant event. Interested families can find more details and RSVP through the official National School Choice Week website.

In summary, the Harrisburg School Fair promises to be an enriching and engaging day for families seeking to explore a range of educational choices, ensuring that every child finds the right fit as they embark on their academic journeys.