.
Families were encouraged to show up at IPEC Las Vegas on Saturday for the Las Vegas School Choice Fair; they said parents would have the opportunity to walk booth to booth and talk directly about their education options.
And show up they did. The organizers – led by school choice champion Valeria Gurr – estimated close to a thousand attendees.
The event was organized by the Nevada School Choice Coalition in partnership with National School Choice Week and the American Federation for Children.
Organizers, volunteers, and participating schools kept the focus where it belonged: on giving families clear information and time to make informed decisions.
Doors opened at 10 a.m., with schools and organizations set up throughout the IPEC Las Vegas venue. A short welcome program ran mid-morning, followed by student performances from several participating schools.
The rest of the event was intentionally open-flow, giving parents time to walk the floor, talk one-on-one with educators, and compare options at their own pace.
Roughly 100 school and organization tables were spread across the venue.
From traditional public, charter, and magnet schools to private, faith-based, online, homeschool, microschool, and support organizations – with information available in both English and Spanish.
Among the exhibitors were several conservative and parent-focused organizations, including Moms for Liberty, Turning Point USA, and Nevada Policy.
Justin Barrows with Turning Point USA talks with George Harris, candidate for NV Senate District 8, at Las Vegas School Choice Fair
Representatives spoke with parents about parental rights, education policy, and ways families can stay engaged beyond the classroom.
Education support and advocacy groups also staffed booths to help parents understand logistics.
The layout made it easy for families to move between schools and organizations, compare offerings, and ask direct questions – which was the point.
The fair wasn’t designed to push parents in one direction.
It was designed to show them what’s available.
And judging by the turnout and the length of the conversations at many booths, that goal was met.
Parents asked practical questions.
How big are classes?
How structured is the day?
What does this cost?
Would this work for my kid?
Just the day before, Governor Joe Lombardo announced Nevada would opt into the federal school choice tax credit program, expanding access to scholarships and education options for families.
Former conservative Assemblywoman Annie Black said the move lines up with what parents across the state are already saying.
“Kudos to Gov Lombardo for opting Nevada into Trump’s federal school choice program – making us the latest state to empower families! 83% of parents support school choice, cutting across Dems, Reps, and every background, because we all agree: our kids deserve the absolute best education. Huge win for Nevada!”
State Senate candidate George Harris said the decision puts control where it belongs.
Overhead of booths at Las Vegas School Choice Fair
“Governor Lombardo made the right call for Nevada families. Parents, not government bureaucrats, know what’s best for their children. By opting into the school choice tax credit, Nevada is giving moms and dads real options and real control over their kids’ education.”
For Clark County families, the issue is personal. Assembly candidate Kelly Chapman pointed to her own experience.
“I applaud Governor Lombardo for opting Nevada into the federal school choice programs. I went through the Clark County School District, and so did my son, so I know firsthand how important it is for parents to have real options.”
Nevada State Assembly candidate Erica Neely praised the governor’s move as a positive step for families.
“Gov. Lombardo’s announcement is a strong step forward for Nevada families. As a mother, I know how important it is to have real choices in our children’s education, and I applaud this effort to put students and parents first.”
Assembly candidate Brandon Davis emphasized the shift in who gets to make education decisions.
“Governor Lombardo has made it clear that parents, not bureaucrats, should have the final say in where and how their kids are educated. Opting into the federal school choice tax credit gives families more freedom, more options, and a better chance to find what actually works for their children.”
Support also came from outside the education policy world. Amy Groves, director of the Coalition for Housing Freedom, said the decision was about empowering families.
“Gov. Lombardo’s support for federal school choice is a win for parents, students, and freedom. Big fan of Gov. Lombardo backing federal school choice. Empowering families matters.”
The fair showed parents what’s out there. The governor’s decision makes more of it possible.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
