NEW YORK—Alternatives to traditional schooling are highlighted during National School Choice Week, with events in New York exploring the growing choices students and parents have.
National School Choice Week, Jan. 22 to Jan. 28, is “shining a spotlight on effective education options for every child, according to its website, through events such as rallies, film screenings, and panel discussions.
Charter schools lead the way as an alternative education option in New York, beginning with the New York State Charter Schools Act of 1998, which authorized charter schools in the state. Students for charter schools are chosen through random lottery.
An estimated 54,000 applications were submitted for 11,800 available seats in charter schools in 2010, according to New York City Charter School Center.
In Brooklyn, the Cultural Arts Academy Charter School has almost 200 applicants for 40 classroom seats, despite little advertising.
“I don’t think it’s really about charter schools per se, I think it’s about having quality schools to choose from for the parents and the community,” said Laurie Midgette, principal of the Cultural Arts Academy. “I’m very excited about this type of innovative event, so that first of all, the community at large gains a better understanding of school choices in general, but also what are the specific options that are available to them.”
The school emphasizes the arts and currently has classes for kindergarten through second grade. It expects to add one class each year as the students move up a grade.
They are holding events and rallies throughout the week that coincide with National School Choice Week.
