Exciting news for students and parents in Philadelphia! This fall, 25 schools in the city will be offering enrichment programs that extend the school day and school year. This initiative, aimed at boosting academic performance and providing additional child care options, is a joint effort between the city and the School District of Philadelphia.
Students at these participating schools will have the opportunity to engage in additional learning activities before and after school, as well as during the summer. The programs are optional for both students and teachers, with Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasizing that it is not mandatory.
The participating schools, which include 20 district schools and five charter schools, will offer educational opportunities from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on school days. The schedule may vary slightly for some schools, but the goal is to provide a wide range of enriching activities for students.
Community organizations with existing ties to the schools will be running the programs, ensuring that students have access to high-quality enrichment opportunities. A variety of subjects will be covered, including financial literacy, coding, dance, chess, writing, life sciences, and biotechnology. Tutoring on academic subjects will also be available.
Superintendent Penny Nixon of Universal Creighton Charter Schools expressed excitement about the early start time, which can accommodate families’ schedules. This initiative will allow students to participate in aggregated enrichment activities rather than waiting in common areas before school starts.
The program aims to provide support for families and communities, particularly those at higher risk for involvement in child welfare or the juvenile justice systems. Schools were selected based on factors such as air conditioning availability for summer programs and existing community program connections.
While the extended hours will not impact collective bargaining agreements with district teachers, teachers are encouraged to participate in the programming. Nyne Sellers, president and CEO of Launch of Philadelphia, supports the initiative and believes it offers valuable opportunities for teachers to engage with students outside of the classroom.
This pilot program will be closely monitored and evaluated throughout the year to determine its effectiveness. Feedback from parents, families, and students will be crucial in shaping future offerings. The goal is to enhance enrichment opportunities and develop new partnerships to better serve the community.