(NewsUSA) - With the fall season here and parents settling into back-to-school routines, now is an ideal moment to ensure preschoolers are getting the best care and education possible for the year ahead. For many families, this means seeking programs that offer more than just a few hours of pre-K, and that align with family schedules and budgets.  

Low or No Cost Options Still Enrolling 
Many state and local pre-K programs with free or subsidized tuition are still accepting students, even if the school year has already begun in the area. These public pre-K programs provide foundational learning at little or no cost to families. Checking with your state or school district office, or local early childhood providers, is the first step to finding openings. 

Extending Beyond Local Districts 
Importantly, some public pre-K programs in local child care centers extend beyond local school districts. In several states, partnerships with providers like KinderCare allow families to access state-funded pre-K in community-based settings, offering parents more options and greater flexibility when choosing where their child learns and grows. 

Wrap-around Care Adds Convenience & Value 
For parents who need care before and after the state’s allotted pre-K hours, or for full days, wrap-around care is essential. Providers like KinderCare offer full-day programs that extend beyond free pre-K slots, allowing parents with multiple young children to have one convenient drop-off and pick-up. This arrangement eases daily juggling for working parents, means fewer transitions, and ensures children have a consistent, supportive learning environment all day long. 

Public Pre-K Partnerships Across the Country 
Across the U.S., states are expanding access to early learning by partnering with trusted providers like KinderCare. Families in 19 states can enroll in KinderCare centers that participate in state-funded pre-K programs, giving them access to high-quality education that fits their schedules and budgets. Today, nearly all of these states still have spots available for parents to enroll their children. These partnerships open doors for families who might not otherwise have access to convenient, affordable preschool options. 

Some states are going even further: New Mexico, for example, will now offer universal child care for every family in the state, regardless of income. This bold approach ensures that no family must choose between quality early education and affordability. 

And as the school year begins, parents have choices. With public pre-K, wrap-around care and state partnerships that extend programs beyond local districts, families can find options that fit both their budget and schedule, while giving children a strong, full-day foundation for learning, growth and success. 

Families can find more details on participating states and available programs at kindercare.com/public-prek. 

(NewsUSA) - As the school year gets underway across the United States, a new report illustrates that student engagement is essential for learning, but gaps remain about how to achieve, measure, and sustain students’ interest in the classroom. 

The report, Education Insights 2025–2026: Fueling Learning Through Engagement, was conducted on behalf of Discovery Education, a leading edtech provider, and includes data from 1,398 superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students from across the United States who were surveyed in May 2025. 

Overall, more than 90 percent of teachers, principals, and superintendents said that engagement is a critical metric for understanding student achievement and 99% of superintendents surveyed believe student engagement is one of the top predictors of student success. Perhaps most interestingly, 92% of students say that engaging in lessons makes school more enjoyable. 

Also, educators and students reported different perceptions of engagement levels. Although 63% of students agreed that “Students are highly engaged in school,” only 45% of teachers and 51% of principals surveyed agreed with the same statement. 

In addition, educators disagreed on the top indicators of engagement; 72% of teachers said asking thoughtful questions was the strongest indicator of student engagement, while 54% of superintendents rating performing well on assessments as a top engagement indicator.   

The report also found that students rated their own engagement at school higher than their peers. Among elementary school, middle school, and high school students, 70%, 59%, and 61%, respectively, perceived themselves as engaged in learning. However, 42%, 36%, and 39%, of elementary school, middle school, and high school students described their peers as engaged in learning. 

The impressions of artificial intelligence’s role in learning varied among respondents, according to the report. Two-thirds of students said they believed that AI could help them learn faster, yet fewer than half of teachers report using AI themselves to complete tasks. 

School administrators expressed more enthusiasm for AI than teachers. Only 57% of teachers agreed with the statement "I frequently learn about positive ways students are using AI," while 87% of principals and 98% of superintendents agreed. Likewise, only 53% of teachers agreed with the statement "I am excited about the potential for AI to support teaching and learning," while 83% of principals and 94% of superintendents agreed. 

“One of the most important findings of this report is that that engagement is seen as essential to learning, but is inconsistently defined, observed, and supported in K-12 classrooms,” said Brian Shaw, Discovery Education’s Chief Executive Officer. “I believe this highlights the need for both a more standardized approach to measuring student engagement and connecting it to academic achievement,” he added. 

To download the full report and find more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

(Adam Hawf, Superintendent of Schools, K12) - In a virtual café, students write resumes, sit for interviews, and take on roles that imitate real-world jobs. In an RV-turned-lab, a health science teacher travels across her state, helping students earn professional certificates. In Colorado, others climb a 13,000-foot mountain while taking steps to earn a wilderness first aid certification. And in Tokyo, a young inventor confidently presents his creation—an AI-powered tool for early cancer detection.  

These experiences may look remarkably different, but they all share one thing in common: Each describes a hands-on career opportunity available to students enrolled in a K12-powered online school. 

At K12, students follow an award-winning high school curriculum with an incredible bonus—they can incorporate career-focused courses and experiences into their schedules that help launch them into their dream jobs right after graduation. From agriculture and business to engineering, hospitality, and manufacturing, students are introduced to a wide range of industries. While still in high school, they’re gaining real-world skills and knowledge that will help them be successful in the workplace. 

But they’re not just learning about careers—they’re experiencing them. These unique opportunities extend far beyond the online classroom through meaningful hands-on activities. K12 students earn certificates, shadow professionals, intern at major corporations, present at national competitions, and build essential skills. These students are getting a powerful head start discovering fulfilling and rewarding futures.  

Through student-led organizations like Business Professionals of America and SkillsUSA, students participate in leadership conferences, community service projects, and competitive events. Whether they’re creating a digital marketing campaign, showcasing computer model designs, or challenging peers in a national competition, K12 students are learning to lead, innovate, collaborate, and overcome challenges with confidence. 

K12 is committed to preparing students to become confident, job-ready individuals who can look toward the future with purpose and excitement. By giving them the chance to get hands-on in their chosen field, K12 is helping students get ahead and stay on a path to success. 

(Amy Leitman, President, NTM Info & Research) - Millions Are Affected by NTM Lung Disease Each Year—Experts Call for Earlier Detection, Research, and Patient Support

As the world prepares to observe World NTM Day on August 4, 2025, NTM Info & Research (NTMir) is calling on patients, physicians, caregivers, and policy leaders to shine a spotlight on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, a growing but underrecognized threat to global respiratory health.

NTM lung disease is caused by environmental bacteria found in water and soil. While many are exposed, people with underlying lung conditions—particularly bronchiectasis—are at higher risk of infection. Alarmingly, new data show that NTM cases are rising by more than 8.2% annually, particularly among women over age 65 and individuals with chronic lung disease. The economic burden per patient can exceed $30,000 per year, underscoring the cost of delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.

“NTM lung disease is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions we see today,” said Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTMir. “It doesn’t just threaten lives—it disrupts them. But the earlier we recognize the symptoms, the better our chances of preventing severe lung damage and improving patient outcomes.”

Most people diagnosed with NTM also have bronchiectasis, a condition that causes permanent damage to the airways. When combined, the diseases can lead to a vicious cycle of recurring infections, declining lung function, and years of missed opportunities for proper care.

“We want to empower people to listen to their lungs,” said Leitman. “If someone is experiencing persistent coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss—don’t wait. Ask your doctor if NTM could be the cause.”

This year’s theme, “Recognize. Respond. Rise Together,” emphasizes the critical need for:

• Early diagnosis through improved screening protocols
   
• Patient education and community engagement
   
• Investment in research and innovation to support more effective and accessible treatments
   

To that end, NTMir continues to lead efforts to:

• Deliver comprehensive educational resources on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing clinical research
   
• Support a global network of patients and caregivers through online communities and local support groups
   
• Advocate for increased research funding and policy change to address the unmet needs of the NTM community
   

Visit www.WorldNTMDay.org for patient stories, educational tools, clinical trial information, and ways to take action.

Header image caption: Amy Leitman, President, NTM Info & Research
National advocate, subject matter expert on NTM lung disease and bronchiectasis

(Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer at Stride) - Summer is almost here, and the educators at K12-powered online schools have created your ultimate guide to fend off summer learning loss. These tips can help keep your child’s mind active and engaged during the break—when learning often takes a backseat and academic progress can slide.  

Research shows that students in grades 1-8 lose around 17-34% of their English language arts and math gains over the summer. Once fall rolls around, teachers typically dedicate the first couple months to helping students catch up. 

While teachers will help your child get back on track in the fall, you can take proactive steps this summer to help them maintain and even grow their skills and knowledge. 

1. Enroll in a summer course. 

Summer school is one of the most effective ways to prevent summer learning loss. Online options, like K12-powered online schools, make it easy to fit learning into your family’s summer routine. Whether reinforcing challenging concepts or exploring new and interesting subjects, online summer school provides enrichment in a flexible setting.  

2. Read for fun. 

Reading can boost cognitive performance, language development, and academic achievement and decrease symptoms of stress. Visit your local library and let your child pick books that interest them to nurture a lifelong love for reading. 

3. Get career focused. 

High school students can get real-life experience in different career paths through activities like volunteering, job shadowing, and internships. The K12 Career Services Center offers online resources, including an internship search tool, to help them get started. 

4. Explore community activities. 

Local classes, academic and recreational camps, and community sports can provide structure and purpose for children who prefer the routine of the school year. Whether it’s a pottery class, a STEM camp, or a soccer team, these activities help develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  

5. Play to learn. 

Games—whether classic arcade, puzzles, or role-playing—can boost motivation and engagement. Add an educational twist, and learning becomes entertainment. Language apps like Duolingo and platforms like K12 Skills Arcade are great tools that turn gaming into brain-boosting fun. 

By incorporating one or more of these activities into your child’s summer routine, you can help prevent learning loss and keep their mind engaged! Small, intentional changes like these can make a big difference and set your child up for a strong, confident start to the new school year. 

(NewsUSA) - Across the United States, schools and families are grappling with a troubling rise in chronic absenteeism among students. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% (18 days) or more school days, has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2022-2023 school year, nearly one in three students was chronically absent, with even higher rates for students with disabilities, students of color, and students learning English as a second language.

Chronic absenteeism, largely driven by student disengagement, has serious implications for academic success. When students feel disconnected from their school, they are less likely to attend, and their academic performance suffers as a result. Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind in their studies and are four times as likely to drop out of high school.

To address this, superintendents, principals, and educational administrators are exploring innovative strategies to foster a stronger sense of belonging at school and boost student engagement.

Igniting Peer Leadership to Boost Engagement
Many schools have discovered that mentorship programs, peer-to-peer relationships, and social-emotional learning initiatives can help students feel more connected to their school communities and improve attendance rates. By leveraging one of the most underutilized resources in schools—students themselves—through peer mentorship and leadership programs, school communities are able to cultivate supportive, caring environments that motivate students to attend and engage.

One organization, Center for Supportive Schools (CSS), has seen success with its Peer Group Connection (PGC) program, which fosters peer leadership and mentoring. This program has proven effective in boosting attendance and engagement across grade levels.

“Chronic absenteeism continues to be an ever-present challenge, but it’s not one schools have to face alone,” shares Center for Supportive Schools Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jonathan Mathis. “By empowering students as leaders and mentors, we can foster engagement, connection, and belonging. Through peer leadership, schools can build a strong culture where every student feels supported, motivated, and ready to succeed.” 

In a 2018 study of more than 8,000 students, CSS found that those who participated in PGC attended school an average of six more days than students who did not. A year after completing the program, participants attended between 2.4 and 7.8 more days of school than their peers. “My peer leaders motivate me to get better grades and to keep coming to school,” shared one PGC participant. 

By encouraging students to take on leadership roles and strengthening peer relationships, PGC helps students develop a stronger sense of identity with their school community, leading to improved academic outcomes. Additionally, the program equips students with valuable leadership skills that will serve them well after graduation.

Elevating Student Voices to Foster Belonging
Another CSS program, known as When Students Lead (WSL), empowers groups of peer advocates to conduct research, identify pressing issues within their school community, present solutions, and implement student-led campaigns to address those issues.

This program helps students feel more connected to their peers and their community by giving them a leadership role on issues that matter most to them. It also fosters important leadership skills, including research, data analysis, critical thinking, collaboration, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Making A Lasting Impact on the Next Generation
The evidence is clear: when we empower students to lead, connect, and support one another, their attendance and performance improve. By implementing peer-to-peer programs, schools can reduce chronic absenteeism while creating a stronger sense of community, improving student outcomes, and providing students with crucial leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. For more information, visit www.supportiveschools.org.

(NewsUSA) - Spring break often reminds families of the approach of summer and the need to find the best summer camp experiences for their children. Whether a child is entering kindergarten or transitioning to middle school, there’s a camp to suit their interests and needs, as well as those of their parents. It can be hard to sort through the many options (and price points) available to determine what’s best for each child.

Variety is important because not all camps are one-size-fits-all, just as not all children are the same. Brands like KinderCare, Champions and Crème de la Crème Schools offer different summer camp experiences that allow for flexibility, convenience and amenities to meet the needs of all families each summer.

Here are some important considerations for parents to remember as they narrow their summer camp search.

Location and Scheduling Options

For busy parents juggling multiple kids, finding a summer camp that combines convenience, affordability, and fun is key. A camp that accommodates various age groups allows siblings to enjoy a safe, engaging environment while learning and growing together and means parents only have to think about one drop-off and pick-up location. However, the camp should follow a curriculum designed by education experts to support the social and academic development of children of all ages, expanding on the skills children learned during the school year.

Another convenient summer-long option for families is programs located within elementary schools, allowing for familiarity for the child since it's an extension of the out-of-school time programs many children are already used to.

Whether you choose a location in a child care center or a school setting, both options should incorporate screen-free activities that provide children with opportunities for skill-building, teamwork, hands-on experiences, and fun with their friends.

Specialty Amenities

For children who crave action or parents looking for a specialty experience, look for a camp that offers a high-energy summer filled with amenities, including bowling alleys, basketball courts, and STEM programs. Weekly themes, outdoor excursions, and creative play ensure that children remain engaged and active, which makes it the ideal choice for kids who love variety and new experiences.

For school-age children seeking adventure, outdoor nature camps offer a perfect summer full of classic summer camp activities. Whether for a week or the entire season, children will enjoy outdoor exploration, multiple weekly field trips, and exciting activities like hiking, swimming, and nature play. This style of camp provides unique experiences that combine fun with education about plants, animals, and all that Mother Nature has to offer, ensuring a summer filled with unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

All of these summer camps provide a perfect balance of fun, learning, and adventure. Whether parents are seeking something educational, exciting, or flexible, there’s a camp that will keep their child engaged all summer long.

Key Points for All Families

No matter what kind of summer experience parents want for their child, there are few things to consider when sorting through the various options.

• Convenience: Camps in familiar locations, such as schools, child care centers, and community facilities make drop-offs and pick-ups simple. Overnight camps can be expensive and are often located in remote areas. High-quality daytime programs provide children the opportunity to have just as much fun at competitive prices and are often more convenient for busy families.
• Flexibility: Whether care is needed for just one week or the entire summer, full-time or part-time, look for options like those above that are tailored to fit busy family schedules.
• Affordability:  Summer camp is an investment. When exploring summer care options, check if your camp collaborates with various employer, state, and federal programs, including the military, to offer families tuition support, making these camps a practical and affordable option.
• Engaging Activities: From educational programs and creative play to field trips and physical activities, there’s a summer camp experience for every child. When school lets out, it’s time for children to put down screens, get outside, explore, and experience hands-on learning that connects them with nature and their peers.

Enrollment for many summer camps is open now. Parents should start planning ahead before spots fill up.

(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, I made a life-changing decision: leaving my home country of El Salvador for America. Like so many immigrants, my goal was to provide more opportunities for my family. That journey, while challenging, shaped my path as an advocate for education and a voice for Latino families.

Today, I work to ensure that families, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to the tools and information they need to navigate their children’s academic options. For many Latino parents, finding the right school for their children is more than a choice; it’s a lifeline to hope, opportunity, and a better future.

Imagine arriving in a new country: you're navigating a school system that is totally unfamiliar, in a foreign language, uncertain about the rules and processes, but determined to secure the best education for your child. This isn’t hypothetical for many Latino families; it’s their everyday reality.

One story that stays with me is about a Spanish-speaking mom in New Jersey. Her son, who is nonverbal and has a disability, struggled to get the support he needed at his local school. Unsure of her rights or where to turn, she reached out to our team for guidance. With the help of Spanish-language resources, a state advocate, and personalized support, she was able to advocate for her son effectively. Today, he is thriving in a school where he now receives the services he needs to succeed.

Her story is not unique. The organization I work with recently surveyed parents and found that 62% of Hispanic parents considered new school options for their children in the last 12 months. This shows the determination of many Latino families to ensure their children have access to the opportunities they deserve.

When talking to families like mine, there are four major barriers to educational success: language gaps, unfamiliarity with the K-12 system, economic struggles, and cultural differences.

Language is one of the biggest challenges. Limited English proficiency often prevents families from accessing resources or advocating effectively for their children. English language learners (ELLs) are frequently underrepresented or misidentified in special education programs, leaving their needs unmet.

Unfamiliarity with the U.S. education system creates additional hurdles. Many immigrant parents are navigating a system completely different from what they experienced in their home countries. This lack of knowledge can make enrollment, special education processes, or even understanding their rights overwhelming.

Economic struggles present yet another challenge. Many Latino families face financial instability, juggle multiple jobs, or lack reliable transportation, all of which limit their ability to access private tutoring, therapies, or other resources.

Cultural differences can further complicate matters. Stigmas around disabilities, for example, may discourage some families from seeking support, leaving children without vital services. This is where school choice becomes transformative. Families should have the ability to choose an educational environment that fits their children’s unique needs. Whether it’s a public school, charter school, private school, online program, or homeschooling, school choice empowers parents to make decisions that benefit their children the most.

This week is National School Choice Week (Jan. 26–Feb. 1) - an opportunity to highlight the impact of education options. It celebrates how families can take control of their children’s education and find schools that meet their aspirations, values, and priorities.

But progress doesn’t happen automatically. Schools need to hire bilingual staff, offer culturally responsive programs, and provide parents with clear, easy-to-understand information about their options. Resources like opcionesescolares.com, and the bilingual events during National School Choice Week are valuable in helping families navigate these choices.

Education has the power to change lives, not just for children, but for entire families and communities. By giving parents the ability to choose the best educational path for their children, we’re opening doors to opportunity, hope, and a brighter future.

Krissia Campos Spivey is the senior director of Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, a National School Choice Awareness Foundation project that helps U.S. families who speak Spanish explore their K-12 education options and choose a great school for their children. Krissia is Salvadoran-American and lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

(NewsUSA) - What would you do if you felt your child´s school wasn't helping them reach their full potential? For a growing number of parents, the answer is to look for alternatives. According to a recent survey, six out of ten parents considered switching their child’s school during the last year, reflecting the shifting expectations families have for education today.

As families move to new areas, their priorities for education often change. Smaller counties with fewer than 30,000 people have gained population, while more families are leaving the nation’s largest urban counties, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These shifts are reshaping communities, and how parents think about their children’s education.

Public school enrollment has declined by 2.5% since 2019, with the largest decreases occurring in pre-K through 8th grade, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These declines coincide with a rise in interest in other educational options, including public charter, magnet, private, online learning, homeschooling and microschooling. Parents are taking an active role in finding environments that meet their children’s unique needs, whether that means staying in the public school system or looking beyond it.

This decline is also tied to larger demographic trends. Birth rates in the United States have been falling for over a decade, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting a 2% drop in births from 2022 to 2023. Lower birth rates mean fewer children entering school each year. Combined with population shifts, these trends are reshaping how and where families access education.

Younger parents, Black and Hispanic families, and military households are among those most likely to explore alternatives. For many, it’s not about dissatisfaction, it’s about seeking the best possible fit for their children’s needs, interests, and learning styles.

Traditional public schools serve millions of families, but declining enrollment reflects the growing need for more adaptable education options. Hawaii, for example, has seen a 6.5% drop in enrollment since 2019, while North Dakota has experienced a 2.5% increase. At the same time, charter school enrollment nationwide grew by more than 80,000 students last year, and homeschooling remains one of the fastest-growing education models. These trends reflect families’ increasing awareness of the variety of options available to them.

This January, National School Choice Week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1) will provide families with an opportunity to explore these options. With over 27,000 events planned nationwide, parents can learn about public, charter, private, online, and homeschooling models to determine what works best for their children.

As interest, and enrollment, in different types of schools continues to change, states are responding by creating policies that empower parents to make choices between many different school types. That means more solutions, and more hope, for families who want to help their child succeed.

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts National School Choice Week each January and maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources. She lives in Nashville, TN with her family.

(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, when National School Choice Week began, the world of education looked very different. In some places, school choice options were slim, and many families wished there was more to explore as the festivities took place. Today, the school choice landscape is far more open, but with this growth comes complexity. This year from January 26 to February 1, the national celebration is more necessary than ever: families need help navigating a K-12 education system that is evolving rapidly.

The demand for school choice has surged in recent years. In the last 12 months, 6 in 10 parents considered new schools for their children, reflecting the growing awareness of school choice policies. Parents are talking about school choice more than ever and more likely to consider education options like microschooling, homeschooling, or private schools. No matter what type of school they choose - neighborhood public, charter, magnet, private, online, or micro - families increasingly believe that education is not one-size-fits-all.

Also, nearly half of Americans said, a few months ago, that they believe K-12 education is on the wrong track nationwide. Yet, paradoxically, many parents remain optimistic about their local schools. What this tells us is that education is very personal. Every parent wants to give their child the best possible future, no matter what type of schooling they need to succeed.

National School Choice Week will be the first step toward choosing a school for the fall for millions of parents across the country. Through more than 27,000 events from open houses to citywide school fairs, the Week offers a platform for families to reflect, connect, and plan. Across its 15-year history, National School Choice Week has hosted 236,746 events and engaged with more than 9 million parents, helping them explore options ranging from traditional public schools to public charter, public magnet, private, online, at-home, and nontraditional options. 

What I’ve learned from years of National School Choice Week celebrations is that families are eager for better options, but they often feel stymied by the barriers to choosing them. It is not enough to create education options; we have to ensure families can access them and understand how to make the best decision for their children. That is what makes National School Choice Week so powerful. It bridges the gap between awareness and action, giving parents the tools they need.  

What National School Choice Week reminds us each year is that education is deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family making decisions that will shape a child’s future. This celebration isn’t just about celebrating options, it’s about making options work. 

Fifteen years ago, this celebration was just an idea. Today, it’s a national event that empowers millions of families to make decisions that shape futures. It’s a reminder that when families are equipped with the right tools, anything is possible for their children. 

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts National School Choice Week each January and maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources.