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WHEELING — Those seeking more knowledge and “hope” for school choice in West Virginia got the opportunity Saturday in Wheeling.
The first ever West Virginia School Choice Fair — sponsored by the Cardinal Institute and West Virginia Voice for Education Choice — took place in the Pine Room at Oglebay Park.
Educators from throughout the region representing public, religious, and special needs schools were present.
Many parents and grandparents turned out to learn more about educational opportunities there are for their children locally, and details about the Hope Scholarship set to become available to West Virginia students later this year.
The Hope Scholarship, in its first year, is expected to provide an estimated $4,600 per child to families wanting to individualize their education by home schooling or attending private school.
The money can be put toward school tuition, textbooks, online learning, credentialing, educational therapies such as speech therapy and technology.
Current homeschoolers and private school students are not eligible unless they return to public school to meet the 45-day minimum enrollment period, according to information provided by the Cardinal Institute.
Andrew Bambrick, educational outreach coordinator for the Cardinal Institute, said Saturday’s inaugural event “went great.” He estimated about 100 parents attended between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
“The whole purpose was to showcase educational opportunities in West Virginia,” he said. “Public, religious and private schools came together for a wonderful effort.
“People came to find the educational option that best works for their child. Every child has different needs, goals and aspirations, and this was an opportunity to learn about what is available.”
In addition to presenting different school options, the fair highlighted just how far West Virginia has come in its educational opportunities, Bambrick said.
“There’s a lot more diversity and options available, and this is an opportunity to celebrate school choice.”
Students from the Cornerstone Christian Academy in Beech Bottom began the event with a dance, while a color guard from Speiro Academy in Martins Ferry presented the colors.
The St. Michael Parish School choir sang the National Anthem.
The Wheeling Park HIgh School steel drum band performed, and those attending were welcomed to come watch the school’s robotics via live stream on a monitor as they participated in an event in Fairmont. One of the robots was also on display at the fair.
Parent Katie Switzer came from Morgantown to learn more about the Hope Scholarship, and if it would be an option for her family later this year. One of her children about to enter school has special needs, she explained.
She was concerned after hearing some lawsuits that could thwart plans to implement the Hope Scholarship in West Virginia.
“We’re one of the families that could benefit,” she said. “My daughter has special needs, and we hope to use some of the money for her speech therapy.
“There are so many people trying to stop this, and we don’t know what is going to happen. It makes it hard to make decisions.”
Schools participating had the chance to tell parents about what makes their schools special.
“Our community and family events are a big attraction,” explained Bailey Fredericks, advancement director for St. Parish School. “We also have a commitment to quality education, rooted in a religious faith-based education. That’s an appealing aspect for many.”
Those stopping by the school’s table were invited to an early childhood open house at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in the St. Michael Parish School cafeteria. Those wanting to attend should RSVP by Jan. 27 at 304-242-3966 at ext. 2.
Speiro Academy is a religious school also focusing on the fine arts, explained principal Susan Cline.
The school offers both in-person and remote learning, and accepts students regardless of the state in which they reside or whether they are out of the area.