District Kicks Off “Thrive At Five” Effort To Promote Kindergarten Registration

PHILADELPHIA – The School District of Philadelphia launched its “Thrive At Five” campaign to promote kindergarten registration for the 2019-2020 school year.

Parents and guardians can now register a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019 at the child’s neighborhood school. Registration is open until May 31, 2019.

Because of the importance of kindergarten to the academic success of children, the District is supporting registration with an integrated advertising campaign. Ads will appear on billboards, SEPTA shelters, trains and buses, billboards, lawn signs and social media.

“Kindergarten attendance starts children on the path to academic success,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent, The School District of Philadelphia. “Children truly thrive at five as they learn how to read and write and grow emotionally and socially.”

The District is hoping to make the “Thrive at Five” campaign a city-wide effort and will be asking elected officials, community leaders, faith-based organizations, civic groups and parents to encourage registration and share their favorite kindergarten moments on social media with the hashtag, #thriveatfive.

Registering for kindergarten by May 31 is important because it gives families and children time to meet with school staff and become familiar with a school. That helps make the kindergarten transition a smooth one for families and students.

Parents and guardians must register a child at the child’s neighborhood school. The District’s school finder tool at https://webapps1.philasd.org/school_finder/ can help locate a neighborhood school. A District-wide Kindergarten Open House will be held on March 5 followed by a Kindergarten Open House Week from May 6 to May 10.

To register a child for kindergarten, a parent or guardian must bring the following documentation to the school:

1. Parent or legal guardian identification

2. Proof of a child’s age

3. A child’s current immunization record

4. Two documents proving the address of the parent or guardian

More information, in addition to translated information about kindergarten registration in various languages, can be found at philasd.org/kregistration.