Today, the School District of Philadelphia kicks off its annual Kindergarten Open House Week, which runs through Friday, May 12.

Throughout the week, nearly 150 elementary schools throughout the District will welcome parents, guardians and future kindergarten students. Families may learn about the District’s kindergarten program, learn more about the school, get to know the school community, communicate directly with teachers and staff, and meet future classmates. Getting acquainted with a school in advance of the first day of class makes the transition to kindergarten easier for students and families.

Open houses will be in-person and virtual, depending on the school. Open House Week is part of the District’s “Thrive At Five” campaign, which promotes kindergarten registration. While the process for enrolling students in kindergarten is ongoing, registering by May 31 helps children and families begin the process, which can be a big transition. Early registration also helps the District plan ahead and make sure that schools are prepared to welcome all children on the first day of school.

“We know that there is a lot of research showing that students who participate in high-quality full-day kindergarten have significant long-term benefits for students,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. “We hope that families take advantage of early registration so that children can prepare and get excited about this new chapter in their lives.”

Students must be five years old on or before September 1, 2023 to register for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents and guardians can register a child for Kindergarten online through at philasd.org/thriveatfive or in-person at a school. To register a child, proof of a child’s age, a current immunization record and proof of address are needed.

Children who have completed Kindergarten registration at a District-operated school for the 2023-24 school year are eligible for the Summer Kindergarten Transition Program, a summer program designed to help students and their caregivers feel confident about starting Kindergarten in the Fall. Families will increase their awareness of what is expected in Kindergarten and will have opportunities to build relationships with school staff, other families, and local community partners.

For more information or for a listing of open house events, please visit philasd.org/thriveatfive.