Thousands of Students Celebrate School Pride in 5 States

Thousands of students across five states will compete, cheer, and celebrate what makes their schools special during a massive virtual gathering later this month. It's not just about winning; it's about showing families the power of finding the right learning environment for every child.

SLAM-A-PALOOZA 2026 brings together K-12 students from Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Georgia on Friday, January 30 for a day of friendly competition and school pride. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at SLAM Miami, with virtual participation connecting students across state lines.

The celebration coincides with National School Choice Week, which features 28,000 events nationwide from January 25 to 31. These gatherings shine a spotlight on the growing variety of educational options available to American families, from traditional public schools to charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional learning environments.

Over the past decade, all five participating states have significantly expanded their K-12 education options. This means more families can access learning environments that match their children's unique needs and learning styles.

"Students thrive when families can choose among many learning environments," said Rocio Diaz, Executive Director of SLAM Miami. She notes that seven Florida schools alone will compete, each showcasing the unique spirit that makes their campus special.

The event is open to families, educators, and community members who want to see students celebrate their schools. It's a chance to witness what happens when kids feel excited about where they learn.

The Ripple Effect

When families find the right educational fit, the benefits extend far beyond report cards. Students who feel connected to their learning environment show up with more enthusiasm, participate more actively, and develop stronger relationships with teachers and peers.

The expansion of educational options also means rural families, working parents, and students with special needs can access programs that once seemed out of reach. Online and hybrid models let students in remote areas take advanced courses, while specialized programs help kids with different learning styles flourish.

By bringing thousands of students together to celebrate their diverse schools, SLAM-A-PALOOZA shows that educational variety isn't about competition between schools. It's about creating enough pathways so every student can find their place to shine.

Families interested in learning more about their local educational options can visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/slam-olympics for resources and guidance on navigating different learning environments.