Nearly 300 kids, parents, educators and advocates for school choice gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday to celebrate National School Choice Week.

The event raised awareness of the different education options available to students in Idaho, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, online learning and homeschooling.

“Every child is different and there are different types of schools that cater to your kids,” said Adrienne Biery, a parent from Rolling Hills Public Charter School in Boise. “It is paying attention to what your child needs so they can be a better person for tomorrow.”

Gov. Butch Otter issued a proclamation recognizing Jan. 21-27 as Idaho School Choice Week. Benewah and Canyon counties and the city of Wilder have also issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their community.

Students shared stories with lawmakers of how educational opportunity is being exercised in the classroom and performed poems, skits and dances.

Austin Radford, a senior at Nampa’s Idaho Arts Charter School, was among one of the students expressing his passion for school choice.

“It’s all about options and I believe every person should have a choice when it comes to learn,” Austin said. “I love art and my school is a perfect fit.”

The Boise event was hosted by Bluum, Idaho Charter School Network and Northwest Professional Educators. It was one of more than 32,000 events held across the country this week.

Note: Bluum and Idaho Education News are funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.