District Launches Thrive at Five 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration

Today, the School District of Philadelphia announced the launch of Thrive at Five, the campaign to promote kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year. Students entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1, 2023.

Children in full-day kindergarten show greater reading and mathematics achievement gains than those in half-day classes, according to the National Education Association.

It also helps students build a strong base of learning and provides a structured bridge between pre-kindergarten programs and first grade.

“Research shows us that children who participate in high-quality, full-day Kindergarten develop better academic skills, social-emotional and behavioral skills and boosts their self-confidence,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., Superintendent, the School District of Philadelphia. “These skills put them on the path towards long-term success.”

While enrollment is ongoing, parents and guardians can register their child(ren) through May 31 on the District’s website, in-person by appointment at the District’s Education Center at 440 N. Broad St., or by calling their neighborhood school.

“Registering for kindergarten by May 31 is important to provide families and children time to meet with school staff and become familiar with a school; registering by May 31st also helps schools to be prepared to welcome students at the start of the school year,” said Diane Castelbuono, Deputy Chief of Early Learning. “Familiarity helps make the kindergarten transition a smooth one for families and students.”

The District will hold a Kindergarten Open House Day on March 7 and a Kindergarten Open House Week May 8-12. The open house provides an opportunity for families to become acquainted with the schools, learn about the school’s expectations and ways to support their child’s learning process at home.

Additionally, there are various resources for families of children entering kindergarten to support a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten. For more information, including  information about kindergarten registration translated in various languages, visit philasd.org/thriveatfive.