The School District of Philadelphia

Great news, Philadelphia families! 🎉

FREE Philly PreK seats are still available for eligible 3 to 5 year olds.

Give your child a strong start with a free, full day, high quality PreK program that helps prepare them for success in school and beyond.

Visit freephillyprek.org to find a program near you and apply today!

Stay connected to your child's education all year long! 📚

The Infinite Campus Family Portal makes it easy to stay informed and engaged with your child's academic journey, anytime, anywhere.

Create your free account today or download the app to access your child's information on the go.

Register today: philasd.org/pfportal

🍎 Welcome to Team SDP!

The School District of Philadelphia officially welcomed our newest teachers, counselors, Pre-K educators and teaching assistants during 2026 New Hire Orientation, marking the start of an exciting school year ahead.

Superintendent Watlington, Board Vice President Sarah-Ashley Andrews, City of Philadelphia Chief Education Officer Dr. Debora Borges-Carrera, and District leaders greeted the new cohort as they prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in professional learning focused on high quality instruction, joyful and equitable classrooms, and the strategies that will drive the third year of our Accelerate Philly Strategic Plan.

We're excited to welcome this talented group of educators to our schools and look forward to the positive impact they will make in classrooms across Philadelphia.

🚨NEW DATE!

🚌 Back-to-School Bus Tour Event

🗓️ Thursday, August 13 | 10am-2pm

📍MLK High School, 6100 Stenton Ave., Phila, PA 19138

🎒Get a free backpack & all your back-to-school needs! Learn more at: philasd.org/ringthebell

🚌 Back-to-School Bus Tour Event

🗓️ Friday, August 7 | 10am-2pm

📍Penrose School, 2515 S. 78th St. Phila, PA 19153

🎒Get a free backpack & all your back-to-school needs! Learn more at: philasd.org/ringthebell

Happy Professional Licensed Engineers Day! ⚙️💡🔧

Today, we celebrate the licensed professional engineers whose expertise supports facility improvements, long-term sustainability and safe, innovative learning environments for our students and staff. Thank you for all you do!

The District shares important updates for the Find Your Fit school selection process. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/selection2728

Leaders from across the School District of Philadelphia gathered for our annual August Leadership Convening to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year through professional learning, collaboration and leadership development.

Throughout the convening, principals, assistant principals and District leaders strengthened their leadership practices, shared best practices and aligned around strategies that will support student success throughout the coming year.

A highlight of the convening was welcoming our first-year principal cohort, who heard words of encouragement from Superintendent Watlington, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services Dr. Brenda Elliott and CASA President Dr. Robin Cooper as they begin their leadership journeys.

Thank you to our Learning Network teams, central office staff, CASA and everyone who contributed to this year's convening. We look forward to seeing the impact our school leaders will make in classrooms and school communities across Philadelphia.

Students at Mayfair Elementary School recently welcomed Mayor Cherelle L. Parker as a special guest on the DOPE Student Podcast for an engaging discussion about career and technical education, the building trades and the importance of introducing students to career pathways at an early age.

The conversation highlighted how early exposure to hands-on learning opportunities can help students explore their interests, develop valuable skills and prepare for future success.

Thank you to Mayor Parker for taking the time to share her insights with our students, and to Mr. Jarrett and the entire Mayfair Elementary School community for creating this meaningful opportunity to elevate student voice and career exploration.